According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the prevalence of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among adults has been steadily increasing over the years. Researchers believe that smartphones could be a primary factor contributing to this rise.

The study revealed that adults who use their smartphones for two or more hours per day are 10 percent more at risk of developing ADHD. With the constant distractions presented by social media, texting, streaming, and other smartphone activities, adults are facing an ADHD epidemic. This condition is traditionally associated with young children, but the excessive use of smartphones is now causing it to become prevalent among adults as well.

The researchers theorize that frequent exposure to social media bombards individuals with constant information, leading them to take frequent breaks from tasks in order to check their phones. This constant stimulation prevents the brain from resting and focusing on a single task, resulting in shorter attention spans and increased distractibility.

Elias Aboujaoude, a behavioral psychiatrist at Stanford University, acknowledged the ongoing debate about whether heavy online use causes ADHD or vice versa. He stated, "'For a long time, the association between ADHD and heavy online use was a chicken-and-egg question in our field." However, he added, "It is legitimate to look at the possibility of acquired attention deficit."

ADHD is a mental health disorder that can significantly impact daily life, including relationships and job performance. The constant distractions posed by smartphones prevent individuals from entering a state of rest in default mode, potentially leading to an acquired form of ADHD.

The number of adults diagnosed with ADHD worldwide has risen from 4.4 percent in 2003 to 6.3 percent in 2020. In the United States alone, around 8.7 million adults are estimated to have ADHD, while approximately six million children aged three to 17 have been diagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Russell Ramsay, co-founder of the Penn Adult ADHD Treatment and Research Program, likened the global figures to the population of the United States, stating, "That's about 366 million adults worldwide currently living with ADHD."

Several studies dating back to 2014 have highlighted the correlation between ADHD and media use. Evidence suggests that technology can impact brain function and behavior, resulting in heightened ADHD symptoms, impaired emotional and social intelligence, technology addiction, social isolation, impaired brain development, and disrupted sleep.

One study conducted in 2018 focused specifically on the impact of smartphones on teenagers developing ADHD symptoms. The results indicated that frequent use of social media was associated with a higher likelihood of developing ADHD symptoms over a two-year period.

For adults looking to mitigate the unwanted side effects of excessive smartphone use, experts recommend developing a healthier relationship with technology. This includes spending less time on smartphones, setting time limits, and taking breaks away from technology.

With the prevalence of ADHD on the rise among adults, it is vital for individuals to be conscious of their smartphone usage and make necessary lifestyle changes to promote better mental health and overall well-being.