Indian Journal of Psychiatric Social Work

Behavioural addiction: A growing concern for mental health practice

K R Anish — 2025-02-24

Behaviour addiction has gained importance in the current context of mental health practice, especially in the post-COVID era. Behaviour addiction is characterised by recurrent and compulsive engagement in behaviours irrespective of dire consequences in personal, social and work life. Behaviour addictions are manifested in behaviours such as gambling, gaming, shopping, pornography, internet and social media use (1, 2). Most of these behaviours are an essential part of our day-to-day life. The need for the use of technology and the ingrained nature of these behaviours make it difficult to understand and deal with such concerns (3). These behaviours can result in long-term mental health and social issues. The complex nature of behaviour addictions necessitates the need for addressing them, and there is a need for tailored intervention for each of these behaviours (4). Research has proven that these behaviours are prevalent among youth and have a detrimental impact on their mental health.

Mobile media use among children and youth in Asia

Kamlesh Kumar Sahu — 2025-02-24

The pervasive influence of mobile media on children and youth has garnered increasing scholarly attention, particularly in rapidly digitizing regions like Asia. Mobile Media Use Among Children and Youth in Asia, edited by Andrew Zi Han Yee, provides a timely and in-depth exploration of this phenomenon. By presenting diverse perspectives from researchers across the region, the volume offers a richly contextualized understanding of how mobile media shapes young people’s identities, relationships, and empowerment within their sociocultural and technological environments.

Problematic screen media use manifesting as attention deficit hyperactive disorder in an eight-year-old boy: A case report

Renjith R Pillai — 2025-02-24

Problematic screen media use among children is on the rise across the globe and is of greater concern among mental health professionals. This report discusses a case of an 8-year-old boy with ADHD-like features due to prolonged screen exposure that was worsened further because of unhealthy parenting practices. Available guidelines emphasise parent-based interventions for children below 12 years of age, whereas a combination of individual and family-based interventions is recommended for children above 12 years.

Online gaming disorder in adolescents: A case series highlighting behavioural addiction and treatment approaches

Arsha Mirza — 2025-02-24

Online gaming addiction is a growing concern among adolescents, affecting their academic performance, emotional well-being, and social interactions. This paper explores the experiences of two high-achieving students who developed gaming addiction, leading to academic decline, emotional distress, and withdrawal from family and friends. The case series discusses the symptoms, psychological impact, and treatment approaches, including structured digital detox plans and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). The findings highlight the importance of early intervention and targeted therapeutic strategies to help adolescents overcome gaming addiction and restore a healthy balance in their lives. Effective management through CBT, digital detox programs, and family support can significantly reduce the negative impact of excessive gaming and improve overall adolescent well-being

Utilizing kemetic yoga in the treatment of a case of substance use disorders

Daniel Mango — 2025-02-24

This article details a clinical intervention utilizing Kemetic Yoga as a method to treat substance use disorders. Kemetic Yoga, or Kemetic (meaning the ancient spiritual/physical practice of the Kemetic, or ancient Egyptians) spiritual health system, combines physical movement (often within a deep listening/breathing context) with meditative and spiritual components. The clinician, a clinician social worker, utilized this culturally responsive intervention with an African American client who was abusing substances: cocaine and marijuana. The client showed marked improvement throughout the treatment, which lasted for 12 weeks. This article will explore the intervention and its outcomes. Finally, the included case study can be used by future clinicians to implement this intervention with their clients.

Social media use, anxiety, depression, and attitudes toward counselling among young adults

Nistha Jain — 2025-02-24

Background: In recent years, there has been a lot of discussion on how social media affects the psychological well-being of young adults. The purpose of the present study is to essentially identify the relationship between attitude towards seeking professional help and usage of social media. In addition, we aim to identify the relationship between attitude towards seeking professional help and anxiety and depression and whether one affects the other in the latter two variables. Materials and methods: Using A convenience sampling technique 92 young adults, between the ages 18-25 years, from the Kolkata urban area voluntarily participated in the study. Attitude Toward Seeking Professional Help, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory and Social Media Engagement Questionnaire, were administered using Google Form. Results: The results depicted no significant correlation between attitudes toward seeking professional help and either anxiety or depression, nor between these attitudes and social media usage. However, a significant positive correlation between anxiety and depression was identified, consistent with previous research on their comorbidity. The high variance in the data, potentially due to a diverse sample, suggests the need for larger, more representative samples in future research. Conclusion: Despite the increasing use of social media to raise mental health awareness, this has not translated into significant changes in attitudes toward seeking professional help. The study underscores the necessity of addressing the deep-rooted stigma surrounding mental health and highlights the importance of educating the next generation on prioritizing mental health.

Fear of missing out (FOMO), emotional distress, and problematic social media use among university student

Renny Thomas — 2025-02-24

Background: The rapid increase in social media usage among university students has emphasised the psychological difficulties associated with Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), Emotional Distress, and Problematic Social Media Use. This study examines the relationship between these variables among university students, assessing the impact of FoMO on emotional well-being and social media dependency. Materials and methods: A quantitative cross-sectional design included 100 students from various departments at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. The study utilised the Fear of Missing Out Scale (FoMOs), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) to assess the key variables. The data was analysed using Correlation, t-test, ANOVA and Multiple Linear Regression analysis to identify relationships, gender differences and significant predictors. Results: Correlation analysis indicates that higher levels of FoMO were substantially associated with greater emotional distress and an increased chance of PSMU. A possible gender difference in anxiety associated with FoMO is also suggested by the fact that female students reported higher anxiety levels than male students. Conclusion: These findings underscore the psychological effects of FoMO on students' social media use and mental well-being. The research underlines the imperative of targeted interventions, such as mindfulness practices and digital literacy programs, to help students cope with FoMO and reduce detrimental social media dependence, enhancing mental well-being.

Psychosocial determinants of internet addiction: A cross-sectional study

Machingal Sureshkumar Sreedevi — 2025-02-24

Background: Internet addiction is a mental health concern that may adversely affect a person’s life. This study aims to examine the prevalence of internet addiction and the psychosocial factors associated with it. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among high school and higher secondary students from the Thrissur district of Kerala who completed a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of a brief sociodemographic part, questions on internet use, psychosocial factors related to internet use, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, GAD-7 and Problematic and Risky Internet Use Screening Scale (PRIUSS). SPSS 21 was used for data analysis. Results: According to the PRIUSS Scale, 20% of the studied population was addicted to internet. The psychosocial factors that are associated with internet addiction include anxiety, depression, fatigue, headache, eye pain/irritation, sleeplessness, daytime sleepiness, loneliness, stress, poor academic performance, poor concentration, insecurity, violence tendency and lack of self-control. Conclusion: The findings suggest that there is a need to intervene in the area of youth internet addiction so as to mitigate the psychosocial factors associated with it.

Gambling Disorder among older adults: An Overview

CT Sudhir Kumar — 2025-02-24

Gambling disorder is currently within addictive disorders in classificatory systems. There has been a shift from its understanding as an impulse control disorder in the past. The prevalence of gambling has been increasing across the world, especially with the exponential growth of the online gaming industry. Though there has been some recent interest in the scientific study of gambling in India, the issues among older adults are neglected. There are reports from other parts of the world about the increasing prevalence of gambling disorder among older adults with its significant effects on physical and mental health, finances and relationships. The Public Gambling Act 1867 (Gambling Act) is the general law that governs gambling in India. Types of gambling activities differ across countries and cultures and we do not have enough information about the gambling preferences of older adults in India and have to rely on studies from the younger population. Current aetiological formulations are towards a biopsychosocial model of the disorder. A comprehensive evaluation is necessary and the problem may be hidden by the older adults and usually not suspected. There is a role for holistic interventions pharmacological, psychological and social interventions. There is an urgent need for studying gambling behaviour and associated factors among older adults in India.

Binge-watching as a behavioural addiction: A systematic review of causes, consequences, and potential for mental health intervention

Deepak Joseph — 2025-02-24

Background: Once considered harmless entertainment, binge-watching has gained attention for its potential addictive nature and adverse effects on physical and mental health. In some cases, it is also explored as a mental health intervention. A systematic review of existing literature would provide mental health professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. Objective: This systematic review aims to synthesize research on binge-watching as a behavioural addiction, identify its causes and consequences, and evaluate its potential as an intervention strategy for addressing mental health issues. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, and Semantic Scholar following PRISMA guidelines. Of the empirical studies published between 2022 to 2024, 20 met the inclusion criteria. Results: Evidence suggests that binge-watching can develop into a behavioural addiction characterized by withdrawal symptoms, compulsive viewing, and mood regulation. Key contributing factors include escapism, social anxiety, and emotional loneliness. Negative consequences include academic difficulties, sleep disturbances, and mental health concerns, while positive effects include socialization and emotional support. Although binge-watching may increase social isolation, it also holds potential as a short-term intervention for loneliness. Conclusion: Binge-watching presents a complex duality as both a coping mechanism and a potential behavioural addiction. While it offers certain psychological benefits, its risks necessitate targeted interventions, such as educational programs promoting balanced media consumption. Understanding this dual nature is essential for mitigating its impact on individual well-being and media habits.