Problematic Video Game Play and ADHD Traits in an Adult Population

Relationships of gaming disorder, ADHD, and academic performance in university students: A mediation analysis

This study investigates the intersection of Gaming Disorder (GD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Grade Point Average (GPA), among university students, a critical demographic often overlooked in research on these disorders. A sample of 348 university students was analyzed using the IGD-20 Test for risk of GD, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) for ADHD symptoms, and GPA as a metric of academic performance. The findings indicate that 4.3% of the surveyed sample scored within the range for GD. The prevalence was higher in males, with 5.3% of the male cohort affected, compared to 1.2% of the female cohort. Significantly, the prevalence of ADHD was substantially higher in the GD group (35.7%) than in the non-GD group (24.2%). Further, ADHD symptoms were found to be a stronger predictor of GD in females than in males. Incorporating the mediating role of Gaming Disorder, this study also probes into how GD may serve as an intermediary in the impact of ADHD on academic performance. By examining the intricate relationship between these disorders, our findings suggest that GD exacerbates the negative effects of ADHD on academic performance, thereby underscoring the potential for Gaming Disorder to act as a bridge in this dynamic. This mediation analysis clarifies how ADHD may indirectly impact academic performance through GD. The study reveals a positive correlation between ADHD symptoms and GD severity, which in turn correlates negatively with academic achievement. In addition, the findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive interventions and highlight the importance of considering the comorbidity of ADHD and GD in academic settings, advocating for systematic screening for GD among students with ADHD, and vice versa. The dual challenges posed by ADHD and GD should be addressed to prevent their escalation into pervasive academic and psychosocial adversities.

Comparisons of clinical subtypes, symptom severity, global functioning, emotional and behavior problems, and CPT test profiles in children and adolescents with ADHD with and without co-occurring internet gaming disorder

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to assess whether the presence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is associated with disease severity, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD) presentation, emotional problems, behavioral problems, and CPT profile in patients with ADHD.

METHOD

Forty children with IGD and sixty-four patients without IGD were included in the study, all of whom had a diagnosis of ADHD. Comorbid psychiatric disorders were determined using The Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS). Conners's Parent Rating Scale-Revised Short form (CPRS-RS), The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Internet Gaming Disorder Questionnaire (IGD-20), and MOXO Continuous Performance Test (MOXO d-CPT) were performed on the children, and Clinical Global Impression (CGI), Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS), comorbidities and ADHD presentations were evaluated.

RESULTS

The IGD group was found to have the combined presentation of ADHD more commonly, and their CGI, CGAS, SDQ behavior problems subscale, cognitive problems, attention problems, and ADHD index in the CPRS-RS questionnaire were found to be higher (p < 0.05). No differences were found in attention, timing, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity scores in CPT between groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study has shown that children with both ADHD and IGD had more severe symptoms, more behavioral problems, and differences regarding the prevalence of the ADHD presentations when compared to children having ADHD without IGD. Longitudinal studies with higher sample sizes are required to investigate this possible connection in the context of a cause-effect relationship and draw a conclusion.

The association between the use of video games, social media and online dating sites, and the symptoms of anxiety and/or depression in adults aged 25 and over

People tend to spend more time in front of their screens, which can have repercussions on their social life, physical and mental health. This topic has mainly been studied in adolescents. Therefore, our study tested associations between the use of video games, social media and online dating leading to sexual relations (ODLSR), and symptoms of anxiety and/or depression among adults aged 25 and over. Data from the 2018 TEMPO cohort study were analyzed (n = 853, 65.0% women, aged 25-44, with an average of 37.4 ± 3.7 years). The exposure variables were as follows: (a) the frequency of video game use, (b) time spent on social media and (c) ODLSR. Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models, adjusted for participants' sociodemographic characteristics as well as history of mental health problems. Among the participants, 8.6% presented symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. An association between ODLSR and symptoms of anxiety and/or depression was found, especially among women. The results of this study will facilitate the improvement of support and care for adults, especially those with symptoms of anxiety and/or depression using dating applications. Future studies should investigate the determinants of using online meeting websites and their relationship with the occurrence of psychological difficulties in longitudinal studies to establish causality.

The emerging evidence on the association between symptoms of ADHD and gaming disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The co-existence of gaming disorder (GD) with other mental health problems has been widely reported. Despite the growing research interest in the comorbidity of GD with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), to date, no quantitative synthesis has been performed. The present study comprised a systematic literature search using Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and PubMed databases. Three types of studies were included in the analyses: studies reporting (i) correlation coefficients between the symptoms of GD and ADHD, (ii) means, and standard deviations for comparison of GD severity between ADHD/non-ADHD individuals, and (iii) comparison of ADHD severity between GD/non-GD individuals. The results indicated a moderate relationship between GD and ADHD symptom severity when both subdomains of ADHD were combined (r = 0.296), and also when only inattention (r = 0.306) or hyperactivity (r = 0.266) symptoms were analyzed, which was also confirmed in a structural equation model meta-analysis. Studies showed a large average difference comparing the GD symptom severity of ADHD and non-ADHD individuals (g = 0.693), or ADHD symptom severity of GD and non-GD individuals (g = 0.854). In some cases, higher estimates of association were reported among studies that (i) had a higher proportion of males, (ii) assessed problematic internet use among predominantly videogame player samples rather than assessing only GD, and (iii) had been more recently published. The present review shows that this is an emerging field demonstrating significant results in cross-sectional correlational studies. However, future research should apply more rigorous methodologies to investigate the relationship further (e.g., longitudinal studies and studies using professional/clinical ratings and diagnosis). These results suggest that screening and treatment for ADHD among individuals with gaming disorder is necessary, and individuals with ADHD should be made aware of their higher susceptibility to gaming disorder.

Internet Gaming Disorders and Early Onset Psychosis in Young People: A Case Study and Clinical Observations

BACKGROUND

Over the last ten years, the video game industry has grown exponentially, involving about 2.5 billion young adults in the world. The estimated global prevalence of gaming addiction has been reported to be 3.5% ranging from 0.21% to 57.5% in the general population. Moreover, during the recent COVID-19 pandemic period, school closures and stay-at-home measures have also further increased the opportunities for prolonged and intensified playing of video games. Little is known about the relationship between IGD and psychosis, and the literature is still scarce. Some characteristics of patients with psychosis, particularly those with a first-episode psychosis (FEP), may suggest that these individuals would be particularly liable to develop IGD.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report two cases of young patients with to Internet gaming disorder, experiencing early onset psychosis treated with antipsychotic therapy.

CONCLUSION

Although it is difficult to show the specific mechanisms underlying the psychopathological alterations in IGD, it is clear that excessive exposure to video games could be a risk factor for precipitating psychosis especially in a vulnerable age group such as adolescence. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of a higher risk of psychotic onset associated specifically with gaming disorders in very young people.

Prevalence of Internet gaming disorder and its association with psychiatric comorbidities among a sample of adults in three Arab countries

Abstract

Background

As Internet gaming became publicly available over the past 25 years, Internet gaming disorder emerged as a new diagnostic entity and became established in psychiatric diagnostic systems as a form of addiction. Given the recency of its advent, reliable data on the epidemiology and psychiatric comorbidity of this disorder in specific geographic regions are scarce and dearly needed for appropriate treatment.

Results

A total sample of number = 1332 participants completed the questionnaire. Four-hundred twenty-three of them were gamers; in this cohort, the prevalence of Internet gaming disorder was 6.1%. A strong association between Internet gaming and several psychiatric disorders (attention deficit, hyperactivity, depression, and anxiety) was found.

Conclusions

Internet gaming disorder is frequent in adults from Arab countries. It is associated with psychiatric comorbidities in this current sample; the nature of this association needs to be properly investigated.

Development and Psychometric Validation of a Novel Self-Report Measure of ICD-11 Gaming Disorder

Video game use is associated with addiction-like behaviors in 6 to 15.6 percent of video game players. There were no formal diagnostic criteria for video game addiction until gaming disorder (GD) was added to the International Classification of Diseases 11th Edition (ICD-11), and there are no published instruments designed to diagnose GD. The aims of the current study were to develop a self-report measure of GD (using the Lee Morrell Gaming Disorder Questionnaire [LMGDQ]) and test its factor structure, reliability, validity, and relationships with participant demographic characteristics. Participants included 3,481 adult video game players (M = 25.08, SD = 7.02; 79.8 percent cisgender male; 77.4 percent Caucasian) who completed an online survey. Factor analyses suggested retaining 14 items and indicated the presence of two factors. The scale had excellent reliability (α = 0.919), and LMGDQ scores were positively correlated with existing scales measuring problematic video game use as well as video game use and age, p values <0.01. Participants who were Asian and Asian American, cisgender men, single and dating, unemployed, had completed some high school or their GED, and who played massively multiplayer online role-playing games the most reported significantly greater LMGDQ scores, p values <0.05. Results suggest that the LMGDQ is a psychometrically sound and valid measure of GD.

ADHD and Substance Use Disorders in Young People: Considerations for Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Pharmacotherapy

Co-occurring ADHD and substance use disorder (SUD) is a common clinical presentation associated with significant impairment requiring careful evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. Treatment with medication, along with cognitive behavioral therapy, is generally regarded as effective in addressing symptoms and impairments associated with both disorders. Options for pharmacotherapy include stimulant and nonstimulant therapies administered with careful monitoring of dosage and compliance to optimize efficacy. In high-risk groups such as college students and/or those with SUD, prescribers should address risks of stimulant misuse and diversion through patient and family education, medication monitoring, and other risk-reducing practices.

Attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms predict problematic mobile phone use

Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed childhood disorder characterised by inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or both. Some of the key traits of ADHD have previously been linked to addictive and problematic behaviours. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between problematic mobile phone use, smartphone addiction risk and ADHD symptoms in an adult population. A sample of 273 healthy adult volunteers completed the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), the Mobile Phone Problem Usage Scale (MPPUS), and the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS). A significant positive correlation was found between the ASRS and both scales. More specifically, inattention symptoms and age predicted smartphone addiction risk and problematic mobile phone use. Our results suggest that there is a positive relationship between ADHD traits and problematic mobile phone use. In particular, younger adults with higher level of inattention symptoms could be at higher risk of developing smartphone addiction. The implication of our findings for theoretical frameworks of problematic mobile phone use and clinical practice are discussed.

Factors related to the dual condition of gambling and gaming disorders: A path analysis model

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Gaming disorder has experienced rapid growth in the last decade among youth and adult populations, in parallel to the expansion of the videogame industry. The objective of this study was to explore the underlying process to explain the dual diagnosis of gaming with gambling disorder.

METHODS

The sample included n = 117 patients who met clinical criteria for gaming disorder, recruited from a tertiary care unit specialized in the treatment of behavioral addictions. Path analysis (implemented through structural equation modeling) assessed the direct and mediational mechanisms between the dual condition of gaming + gambling disorder and sociodemographic variables and personality traits.

RESULTS

The comorbid gaming + gambling disorder was met for 14.5% of the participants (additionally, 6.0% of the sample also met criteria for problematic gambling). The dual diagnosis was directly related to an older age at onset of the addiction problems, a higher level of the novelty seeking trait and being in active work. Employment status also mediated the relationship between persistence levels and chronological age. Greater psychopathological distress was related to females, higher levels of harm avoidance and persistence and lower levels of self-directedness.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study provide empirical evidence for the specific factors that increase the likelihood of the dual gaming + gambling disorder. Clinical settings should consider these features to improve gaming diagnosis and treatment. Preventive programs should also be focused on the most vulnerable groups to prevent onset and progression of this comorbid condition.

Subtyping treatment-seeking gaming disorder patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Gaming Disorder (GD) is characterized by a pattern of persistent and uncontrolled gaming behavior that causes a marked impairment in important areas of functioning. The evolution of the worldwide incidence of this disorder warrants further studies focused on examining the existence of different subtypes within clinical samples, in order to tailor treatment. This study explored the existence of different profiles of patients seeking treatment for GD through a data-driven approach.

METHODS

The sample included n = 107 patients receiving treatment for GD (92% men and 8% women) ranging between 14 and 60 years old (mean age = 24.1, SD = 10). A two-step clustering analysis approach explored the existence of different underlying GD profiles based on a broad set of indicators, including sociodemographic features, clinical course of the condition (e.g., onset or evolution), psychopathological symptoms, and personality traits.

RESULTS

Two GD profiles emerged. The first cluster grouped together patients who presented with a lower psychological impact (n = 72, 66.1%), whereas the second cluster comprised patients with a higher psychological impact (n = 35, 32.7%). Cluster comparisons revealed that those patients presenting the higher impact were older, with a later onset of pathological gaming patterns, and more pronounced psychopathological symptoms and dysfunctional personality profiles.

CONCLUSIONS

GD severity is influenced by specific demographic, clinical, and psychopathological factors. The identification of two separate profiles provides empirical evidence that contributes to the conceptualization of this disorder, as well as to the development of reliable and valid screening tools and effective intervention plans focused on the precise characteristics of the treatment-seeking patients.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and gaming disorder: Frequency and associated factors in a clinical sample of patients with Gaming Disorder

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Since June 2018, gaming disorder (GD) has been recognized as a disease. It is frequently associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as there are common vulnerability factors and bidirectional interactions between the two disorders. This study aims to evaluate the presence of ADHD symptoms and predictive factors of ADHD among patients with GD.

METHODS

Ninety-seven patients ≥16 years old referred to the University Hospital of Nantes between 2012 and 2020 for GD were included. The diagnosis of GD was given a posteriori in accordance with the new ICD-11 GD definition. ADHD was screened using the Adult-ADHD Self-Report Scale and the Wender-Utah Rating Scale. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify explanatory factors for ADHD-GD comorbidity.

RESULTS

The rate of GD patients who screened positive for ADHD was 39%. Predictive factors of ADHD-GD comorbidity were impulsivity (higher score on the negative urgency dimension) and low self-esteem.

DISCUSSION

The rate of ADHD found among patients with GD is consistent with that from the literature on internet GD but higher than that found for other behavioural addictions. The identification of a higher negative urgency score and low self-esteem as predictive factors of AHDH-GD comorbidity indicates that gaming could be considered a dysfunctional way to cope with emotional dysregulation in ADHD or to virtually escape.

CONCLUSIONS

Comorbid ADHD must be taken into consideration to minimize its functional impact on GD patients and gaming-related damage. In contrast, the evaluation of gaming habits in patients with ADHD could be useful for both prevention and care.

Large-scale network dysfunction in youths with Internet gaming disorder: a meta-analysis of resting-state functional connectivity studies

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has been defined as a specific behavioral disorder, associated with abnormal interactions among large-scale brain networks. Researchers have sought to identify the network dysfunction in IGD using resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC). However, results across studies have not reached an agreement yet and the mechanism remains unclear. The present research aimed to investigate network dysfunction in IGD through a meta-analysis of rsFC studies. Twenty-two seed-based voxel-wise rsFC studies from 25 publications (594 individuals with IGD and 496 healthy controls) were included. By categorizing seeds into seed-networks based on their location within a prior functional network parcellations, we performed a Multilevel kernel density analysis (MKDA) within each seed-network to identify which brain systems showed abnormal interaction with particular seed-network in individuals with IGD. Compared to healthy control groups, individuals with IGD exhibited significant hypoconnectivity within the default mode network, and enhanced connectivity between the default mode network and insula within the ventral attention network. IGD was also associated with increased connectivity between the ventral attention network and somatomotor regions. Furthermore, the IGD groups showed hyperconnectivity between the limbic network and regions of the frontoparietal network. The results suggest that individuals with IGD show large-scale functional network alteration which underpins their core symptoms including poor emotional competence, cue-reactivity and craving, habitual addictive behaviors and impaired executive control. Whether the compensation mechanism exists in IGD is discussed, and further research is needed. The findings provide a neurocognitive network model of IGD, which may serve as functional biomarkers for IGD and have potentials for development of effective diagnosis and therapeutic interventions.

Gaming among Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Lockdown: The Role of Parents in Time Spent on Video Games and Gaming Disorder Symptoms

It is mainly children and adolescents who are involved in video gaming. The lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may have further increased their use of video games and, consequently, the risk of gaming disorder (GD) symptoms. However, currently, we do not have exhaustive knowledge of this issue. To fill this gap, the current study aims to analyze video gaming habits in children and adolescents during the lockdown, starting in March 2020 in Italy, the first European country affected by the pandemic. Specifically, we aim to understand how variables related to parents—for instance, knowledge of their offspring’s life, the monitoring of their video gaming habits, and parental use of video games—are related to their offspring’s time spent on video games and GD symptoms. A web-based survey involving parents (n = 554, 79% mothers, mean age = 45.39) of 554 children and adolescents (73% males, mean age = 11.11) was utilized. The results showed that they were involved in video games, particularly boys and adolescents, with high rates of GD symptoms. The parents also spent a considerable amount of time playing video games. A path model that explained the mechanisms through which parental variables were related to their offspring’s time spent on video games and GD symptoms, controlling for gender and age, was verified. Overall, the findings indicate the importance of educating parents to behave effectively with respect to video games and monitor their offspring’s video gaming habits.

A systematic review on the intersection of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and gaming disorder

INTRODUCTION

Studies of Gaming Disorder (GD) consistently identify co-morbidity with various psychiatric disorders including major depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders. One of the strongest associations has been with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). We present a systematic review of this association by pooling and integrating available evidence.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, PsychInfo and CINHAHL were searched for articles that reported a quantitative association between GD and ADHD and its dimensions, using equivalent search terms. Quality appraisal was done using criteria adapted from the Critical Appraisal Skills Package (CASP) checklists.

RESULTS

1028 articles were identified, of which 29 studies were included for systematic review (n = 56650 participants). Most of these studies were observational in nature, and were of moderate quality, with deficits particularly in the domains of generalisability and confounding. Community surveys (n = 18) of purposive samples constituted the majority, with fewer clinic-based samples (n = 11). While ADHD symptoms were consistently associated with GD, More frequent associations were displayed with inattention associations with GD than other ADHD subscales. There were no conclusive findings regarding the type of game on severity of either condition, or on completion of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest an association between ADHD and GD, although the direction of the relationship is unclear. This has implications for clinical practice, policy and research. We recommend that ADHD is screened for when evaluating IGD as part of routine practice."

Development of the Korean Practice Parameter for Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

OBJECTIVES

Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an important mental health problem that needs resolution, especially considering the high rates of ADHD continuation from childhood to adolescence/adulthood and the high prevalence of ADHD in adults. Adults with ADHD have lifelong negative impacts and require close monitoring with long-term follow-up. Hence, the establishment of a Korean practice parameter for adult ADHD is necessary to minimize discontinuation of treatment and enable information sharing among Korean mental health professionals.

METHODS

The Korean practice parameter was developed using an evidence-based approach consisting of expert consensus survey coupled with literature review.

RESULTS

According to the expert consensus survey, the most commonly used diagnostic methods were clinical psychiatric interview (20.66%) and self-report scales (19.25%) followed by attention (14.71%) and psychological tests (14.24%). Key evaluation instruments currently available in Korea are the World Health Organization Adult ADHD Self-Report Rating Scale, Korean Adult ADHD Rating Scale, Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults, Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale for adults, Comprehensive Attention Test, Conners' Continuous Performance Test, and the subtests of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Digit Span and Letter-Number Sequencing. Although pharmacotherapy is recommended as the first-line of treatment for adult ADHD, we recommend that it be followed by a multimodal and multidisciplinary approach including psychoeducation, pharmacotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy and coaching.

CONCLUSION

The Korean practice parameter introduces not only general information for the diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD on a global scale, but also the process of diagnosis and treatment options tailored to the Korean population.

The relationship between internet addiction, attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms and online activities in adults

AIM

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between Internet Addiction (IA), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms and online activities in an adult population.

METHODS

A sample of 400 individuals aged 18 to 70 completed the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), Young's Internet Addiction Test, and their preferred online activities.

RESULTS

A moderate association was found between higher levels of ADHD symptoms and IA. The best predictors of IA scores were ADHD symptoms, age, playing online games and spending more time online.

CONCLUSION

Our findings further support a positive relationship between ADHD symptoms and excessive internet use.

Smoking, ADHD, and Problematic Video Game Use: A Structural Modeling Approach

Problematic video game use (PVGU), or addiction-like use of video games, is associated with physical and mental health problems and problems in social and occupational functioning. Possible correlates of PVGU include frequency of play, cigarette smoking, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aim of the current study was to explore simultaneously the relationships among these variables as well as test whether two separate measures of PVGU measure the same construct, using a structural modeling approach. Secondary data analysis was conducted on 2,801 video game users (M_age = 22.43 years, standard deviation [SD]_age = 4.7; 93 percent male) who completed an online survey. The full model fit the data well: χ² (2) = 2.017, p > 0.05; root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.002 (90% CI [0.000-0.038]); comparative fit index (CFI) = 1.000; standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.004; and all standardized residuals <|0.1|. All freely estimated paths were statistically significant. ADHD symptomatology, smoking behavior, and hours of video game use explained 41.8 percent of variance in PVGU. Tracking these variables may be useful for PVGU prevention and assessment. Young's Internet Addiction Scale, adapted for video game use, and the Problem Videogame Playing Scale both loaded strongly onto a PVGU factor, suggesting that they measure the same construct, that studies using either measure may be compared to each other, and that both measures may be used as a screener of PVGU.

Association between Internet Gaming Disorder or Pathological Video-Game Use and Comorbid Psychopathology: A Comprehensive Review

The addictive use of video games is recognized as a problem with clinical relevance and is included in international diagnostic manuals and classifications of diseases. The association between "Internet addiction" and mental health has been well documented across a range of investigations. However, a major drawback of these studies is that no controls have been placed on the type of Internet use investigated. The aim of this study is to review systematically the current literature in order to explore the association between Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and psychopathology. An electronic literature search was conducted using PubMed, PsychINFO, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and Google Scholar (r.n. CRD42018082398). The effect sizes for the observed correlations were identified or computed. Twenty-four articles met the eligibility criteria. The studies included comprised 21 cross-sectional and three prospective designs. Most of the research was conducted in Europe. The significant correlations reported comprised: 92% between IGD and anxiety, 89% with depression, 85% with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and 75% with social phobia/anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Most of the studies reported higher rates of IGD in males. The lack of longitudinal studies and the contradictory results obtained prevent detection of the directionality of the associations and, furthermore, show the complex relationship between both phenomena.

Bidirectional Associations Between Self-Reported Gaming Disorder and Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Evidence From a Sample of Young Swiss Men

Background: Gaming disorder (GD) has been shown to co-occur with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), yet few studies to date have investigated their longitudinal associations. Method: The sample included 5,067 young Swiss men (mean age was 20 years at wave 1 and 25 years at wave 3). Measures were the Game Addiction Scale and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (6-item screener). Longitudinal associations were tested using autoregressive cross-lagged models for binary measures of GD and ADHD, as well as continuous measures for GD score and ADHD subscales of inattention and hyperactivity. Results: ADHD at age 20 increased the risk for GD at age 25 (probit = 0.066 [0.023, 0.109]; p = 0.003). GD at age 20 also increased the risk for ADHD at wave 3 (probit = 0.058 [0.013, 0.102]; p = 0.011). Only the ADHD inattention subscale showed a bidirectional longitudinal relationship with the GD score (standardized Beta from inattention at age 20 to GD score at age 25: 0.090 [0.056, 0.124]; p < 0.001; from GD score at age 20 to inattention at age 25: 0.044 [0.016, 0.071]; p = 0.002), whereas associations between the hyperactivity subscale and GD were not significant. Discussion: GD had bidirectional longitudinal associations with ADHD, in that ADHD increased the risk for GD and GD increased the risk for ADHD, and they may reinforce each other. These associations may be linked more to the inattention ADHD component than to the hyperactivity ADHD component. Individuals with ADHD or GD should be screened for the other disorder, and preventive measures for GD should be evaluated in individuals with ADHD.