Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder : what are the relationships with Gaming Disorder Symptoms and the motivations to play?

Abstract Objectives: This study aim to evaluate the relationship between ADHD and Gaming Disorder symptoms (GDs) in an adult sample, taking inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity dimensions into account. Secondly, this study explores the motivations for playing among gamers with a potential diagnosis of ADHD compared to non-ADHD gamers.Method: 178 participants from the general population completed an online survey. They completed the Game Addiction Scale (GAS), Game Play Motivations (GPM) and the WHO Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS).Results: 57 participants (32%) had a probable diagnosis of ADHD, 55.1% (n = 98) had GD, including 40 with comorbid ADHD (40.8%). The inattention and impulsivity dimensions of ADHD predicted GDs. In the ADHD sample, the game mechanics and escapism motivations predicted GDs.Conclusions: ADHD and GD are strongly related in our sample, and escapism predict GDs in both the ADHD and non-ADHD samples. Implications for prevention, psychotherapy and future directions are discussed.