Need for systematic screening for IGD in adolescent psychiatric inpatients

Psychiatric comorbidities are frequent in adolescents with internet gaming disorder (IGD). In contrast, the proportion of IGD among adolescents hospitalized for a psychiatric disorder has not been documented yet. In addition, parental ratings of IGD could be useful for diagnosis, but very few data exist on this issue. The objectives of this study were to: (1) assess the prevalence of IGD among adolescent psychiatric inpatients, using the Ten-Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT-10), and (2) assess the parental version developed for this study (IGDT-10-P). A total of 102 patients, aged from 12 to 17 years old, were included from four psychiatric units of the French region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, during a 6-month inclusion period. Adolescents completed the IGDT-10 while one of their parents completed the IGDT-10-P. The inclusion rate among the eligible population was 57.95%. The prevalence of IGD in the sample, based on the IGDT-10 and IGDT-10-P, was 6.00% and 12.79%, respectively. Psychometric features of the IGDT-10-P indicated excellent internal consistency, a good model fit to the one factor model in confirmatory factor analysis, a strong correlation with gaming time, and a moderate correlation with the IGDT-10. Our results support the need for a systematic screening of IGD among adolescents hospitalized for a psychiatric disorder. Future studies should aim to confirm and explain the prevalence gap between self- and parent-reported criteria.

[Diverse strategies to attempt to prevent the spread of HIV infections]

AIDS, because of the seriousness of its diagnosis, as well as the fact that it is linked with such life-giving symbols such as blood and sperm, has often been presented as the plague of the 1900's. As is often the case with serious, misunderstood societal calamities, AIDS carries with its attitudes of guilt and denial; attitudes which have greatly hampered the beginnings of preventive actions. Due in particular to the pioneering actions of non-profit AIDS associations, France currently has a global policy which encompasses prevention, information, and solidarity. The development and installation of this policy has brought to light practical problems which are ethically and morally important as well. Although the general public's understanding of the means of contamination is increasing, there remain a certain number of false conceptions which are difficult to overcome in information-based, mass media campaigns. As far as behavior-oriented prevention programs are concerned, condom promotion must often be carried out within certain limits of expression, particularly those of certain religious influences. Solidarity and ethics campaigns raise often sensitive human rights topics such as homosexuality and work-related issues. AIDS has thus a much broader scope than a public health subject, it involves the reflection and consideration of collective human and societal values.