Teenagers With Mental Health Disorders Spend an Extra Hour on Social Media
The
'Our study doesn't establish a causal link, but it does show that young people with mental health conditions use social media differently than young people without a condition,' said lead author Luisa Fassi, a researcher at the University of Cambridge's Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, in a press
She said the differences between children with and without mental health conditions may stem from the way these conditions influence how adolescents interact with online platforms—or possibly from social media use contributing to their symptoms. 'At this stage, we can't say which comes first—only that these differences exist,' Fassi added.
Differences by Condition Type
The study, recently published in Nature Human Behavior, analyzed data from a 2017 survey of 3,340 UK adolescents between the ages of 11 and 19. Professional clinicians interviewed the teenagers and, in some cases, their parents and teachers.
Researchers distinguished between conditions affecting internal feelings—such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder—and those involving outward behaviors like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and conduct disorder.
Teens with conditions affecting internal feelings, like depression and anxiety, showed the most significant differences in social media behavior.
Related Stories
4/28/2025
4/19/2025
Social comparison—meaning comparing themselves to others online—was twice as prevalent among adolescents with anxiety and depression compared to those without mental health conditions: 48 percent and 24 percent, respectively.
These teens were also significantly more likely to report mood changes in response to social media feedback—28 percent versus 13 percent—and felt less in control of their time spent on these platforms.
This pattern was not seen in children with ADHD, ODD, and conduct disorders.
Dr. Ritu Goel, a board-certified integrative psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult mental health, told The Epoch Times that the pattern makes clinical sense.
Teens dealing with anxiety or depression are often more emotionally sensitive and vulnerable to criticism or rejection, she said. 'Social media amplifies these feelings because it's filled with unrealistic portrayals of happiness and success. They might feel left out or not good enough, significantly deepening their emotional struggles.'
The researchers also found that teens with diagnosed conditions spend approximately 50 minutes more on social media compared to those without.
Beyond time spent online, all adolescents with mental health conditions also tended to report greater dissatisfaction with the number of online friends they had.
'Social media platforms assign a concrete number to friendships, making social comparisons more conspicuous. For young people struggling with mental health conditions, this may increase existing feelings of rejection or inadequacy,' Fassi said.
She noted that friendships play a key role in shaping adolescents' sense of identity.
Why Social Media May Worsen Symptoms
Teens with mental health conditions often use social media in ways that can reinforce or worsen their symptoms, said Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind in New York.
When people passively scroll through social media, they encounter idealized images that lead to negative social comparisons.
'Many people develop an obsession with checking likes, comments, or messages, which leads them to base their self-esteem on online reactions,' Hafeez said. 'People who post online to confirm their worth experience disappointment when their posts don't receive the positive feedback they expected.'
The constant exposure to idealized images, peer conflicts, and subtle exclusion can heighten feelings of anxiety and rejection. Nighttime social media use can also disrupt sleep, which plays a key role in emotional health. Together, these patterns can deepen the cycle of depression and anxiety.
Interestingly, aside from the time spent on social media, researchers found few differences in social media behavior among teens with externalizing conditions like ADHD or conduct disorders.
How Parents and Doctors Can Help
Parents and mental health professionals should collaborate to guide teens toward healthier social media use, Goel said.
'Mental health professionals can teach teens critical thinking skills about online content and emotional self-regulation strategies,' she said. 'Parents can support these efforts by actively monitoring social media usage, setting clear boundaries for online and offline activities, ensuring a balanced daily routine, and promoting open conversations about online experiences.'
Goel emphasized that encouraging regular offline interactions and hobbies can further help teens build resilience and maintain a healthy emotional balance.
Hafeez recommended establishing tech-free times and encouraging offline social connections, emphasizing that teens should 'feel supported rather than controlled,' making it easier for them to develop lasting, healthy digital habits.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Medscape
a day ago
- Medscape
ADHD: Not a Diagnosis but a Warning Label
The title of a recent article in The New York Times asks, 'Have We Been Thinking About A.D.H.D. All Wrong?' How would you answer this question? My response would be a robust 'You're darn right we have!' I am a member of a shrinking cohort of primary care pediatricians who practiced before the phenomenon of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) appeared on the landscape. I have always been troubled by how the handful of hyperactive grade schoolers I was seeing in the 1970s could mushroom into something that prompted the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention to report last year more than 11% of American children had been diagnosed with ADHD. I don't include myself in the 'we' to whom the writer refers. I have never been able to imagine that a seismic genetic shift could explain the sudden emergence of a new disease that lacks solid diagnostic criteria or a biophysical marker. Radiation from solar flares and chemicals leached from the nonstick surfaces on our pots and pans just don't seem to be likely answers. William Wilkoff, MD The New York Times article comes the closest to encapsulating an explanation I have constructed over the past 50 years of observing the ADHD phenomenon unfold. Clearly, something has changed. But it has eluded those looking for some biophysical cause. Although stimulant medications have been associated with observable changes in behavior in some situations, these have usually been temporary. The effectiveness of the medications has never seemed to warrant the millions of stimulant pills that are prescribed to children and young adults every year in this country. Professor Edmund Sonuga-Barke, a neuroscience and psychiatry researcher at King's College London, was quoted in the article as saying, 'We have a clinical definition of A.D.H.D. that is increasingly unanchored from what we are finding in our science.' He goes on to say that clinicians can't objectively measure and define a natural category of individuals with ADHD. His observation makes one wonder how much of the ADHD research has been valid. Some of the new thinking about ADHD comes from a re-examination of the landmark MTA study, which demonstrated that the effects of the medication were statistically significant at 14 months. However, they had lost their significance at 36 months. Even more interesting is the more recent observation that 40% of the control group in that study who did not qualify for an ADHD label in 1999 were later diagnosed with ADHD in adolescence, suggesting that something extrinsic had changed over time. Other studies referred to in the New York Times article have shown that although stimulant medication improved behavior and the speed of work, there was no demonstrable improvement in learning. Margaret Sibley, PhD, clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, in an attempt to explain the later diagnosis of ADHD in the MTA control group, says that what changed for these children was their environment. The world of an adolescent is much different from that of an 8- or 9-year-old, and is often more turbulent. Joel Nigg, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Oregon Health & Science University, says that for a large percentage of individuals diagnosed with ADHD, 'there is nothing neurobiologically notable about them. Instead, their symptoms are situational or conditional.' What are those conditions that can trigger behavior commonly associated with the ADHD label? Instead of a condition or group of conditions, it is probably better to consider situations in which there is 'a misalignment between a child's biological makeup and the environment in which they are trying to function' says Sonugo-Barke. Take, for example, the kindergarten student who didn't attend preschool and who has just turned 5 at the start of the school year. Or the 13-year-old hands-on learner who did 'okay' in grade school but now finds himself thrust into the college track in high school with a heavy emphasis on reading and classroom lectures. Or a 30-something who has found himself in a job in which he is struggling to keep up with his supervisor's demands. This view of ADHD symptoms, not as a single condition but as an expression of a mismatch between a person's capabilities (both physical and emotional) and their environment, includes the assumption that the population is made up of individuals with a wide range of vulnerabilities. Some are more easily tipped into demonstrating ADHD-like symptoms at times of stress, whereas others are more resistant. At one end of this spectrum is a small group of children who were born with a neurochemical makeup that makes them highly likely to exhibit ADHD symptoms. Individuals with fetal alcohol syndrome are probably the best example of a group that may have an identifiable biomarker. Although it is likely that research will identify a mechanism to explain the ADHD-like symptoms in this very small subset, it is much less likely that a similar mechanism or structure will explain the spectrum of vulnerabilities in the general population in the short term. However, if and when a biomarker is discovered in the general population, we must be careful about the chicken-and-egg situation. Was the environment-individual mismatch a result of altered structure or chemistry, or did the stress associated with the mismatch trigger the observed change? Finally, let's consider what may be the most common example of a mismatch between the individual's biological makeup and their environment: sleep deprivation. When people are made sleep-deficient, they exhibit symptoms often linked with ADHD, such as slower reaction times, attention difficulties, mood changes, and irritability, to name just a few. It has been my observation over five decades of observing children and adults that very often sleep deprivation is a major, if not the most potent, contributor to what others have labeled as ADHD. Then it is not surprising that a stimulant medication in an individual who is sleep deprived will cause a dramatic, although not long-lasting, improvement. One of the most common complaints voiced by persons labeled as having ADHD is that they find school or their job boring. Individuals with boring jobs, such as truck driving or assembly line work dominated by repetitive tasks, can be more productive when they are given a stimulant. If we are looking for a change in the environment that has occurred over the past three quarters of a century to explain the ADHD phenomenon, we need look no further than the well-documented observation that individuals of all ages are getting significantly less sleep. The reasons are too numerous to document in this short column, but the popularity of television and personal electronic devices are obvious examples. Yes, we must look at our educational system to make sure we are creating learning environments in which children who have a variety of skills and vulnerabilities can thrive. Yes, that school environment should be stimulating without being distracting and provide an abundance of physical activity. But we must remember to make sure that families are taught to identify when their child is overtired and how to take appropriate measures to ensure they arrive at school well rested. View ADHD not as a diagnosis but rather a collection of observations of a patient's behavior that should serve as a warning label. This doesn't mean we should completely rule out stimulants as a therapeutic option. However, medication should be considered a temporary step while more definitive steps are being taken to narrow the discrepancy between children's own resources and the environment in which they find themselves.
Time Business News
a day ago
- Time Business News
Mindfulness as a Tool for Managing Cravings
Cravings can feel like relentless tides—rising, cresting, and crashing with a force that threatens to undo weeks or even years of progress. In the journey of addiction recovery, managing cravings becomes an intricate dance between awareness, control, and resilience. Traditional approaches may emphasize avoidance or distraction, but mindfulness offers something radically different: presence. Instead of running from the discomfort, mindfulness teaches the art of staying with it—observing, breathing, and ultimately disempowering the craving. Some individuals turn to stimulants to improve focus, productivity, or manage symptoms of attention difficulties. Among these, the connection between meth and ADHD has drawn attention, especially due to the stimulant properties of methamphetamine. While certain medications for ADHD, like Adderall, share structural similarities with methamphetamine, the latter is far more potent and dangerous. It is important to distinguish medical treatment from substance misuse, as abusing methamphetamine can lead to severe health consequences, addiction, and cognitive decline. Proper diagnosis and treatment by a healthcare professional are essential for managing ADHD safely and effectively without risking harmful side effects. Cravings are not random. They are orchestrated neurochemical events triggered by both internal emotions and external cues. At their core, cravings are the brain's way of demanding relief, often in response to stress, anxiety, or environmental associations. The amygdala and reward centers light up, urging action. However, cravings are also transient—scientifically shown to rise and dissipate within 20 to 30 minutes, often peaking in intensity and then waning. Recognizing that a craving is a temporary state rather than a permanent need is the first mental shift required in recovery. With this understanding, individuals can approach cravings not as insurmountable foes, but as waves that can be observed and ridden out. Mindfulness, a practice rooted in ancient Buddhist tradition, has found a profound resurgence in modern clinical psychology. It refers to the deliberate act of paying attention to the present moment, non-judgmentally and with curiosity. This is not zoning out—it's tuning in with heightened acuity. Core to mindfulness is the cultivation of awareness without resistance. It's about observing thoughts, sensations, and emotions as they arise, without immediately reacting to them. Unlike passive meditation or spiritual contemplation, mindfulness is active attention—an internal investigation of one's moment-to-moment experience. When a craving surfaces, the typical response is to either act on it or suppress it. Mindfulness introduces a third path—observation without engagement. By acknowledging the craving without judgment, individuals disrupt the automatic behavioral loop. This shift from reaction to observation is critical. Through mindfulness, one can identify the bodily sensations (tightness, restlessness), thoughts ('I need this'), and emotions (frustration, desire) that accompany a craving. Breathing techniques and bodily awareness provide an anchor, grounding the mind in the now rather than the impulse. This pause between stimulus and response creates psychological space. In that space, choice becomes possible. Not reacting becomes a form of empowerment. Decades of neuroscientific research support the efficacy of mindfulness in managing addiction and cravings. Functional MRI scans reveal that mindfulness training reduces activity in the default mode network—associated with mind-wandering and compulsive thinking—and increases regulation in the prefrontal cortex, the seat of conscious decision-making. A landmark study from Yale University demonstrated that individuals practicing mindfulness had significantly reduced craving intensity compared to those using traditional cognitive-behavioral techniques. Another study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that mindfulness-based relapse prevention reduced the risk of relapse in recovering individuals over 12 months. Mindfulness doesn't just soothe the mind—it rewires it. Repeated practice leads to neuroplastic changes that reinforce emotional regulation, impulse control, and resilience. Applying mindfulness in daily life doesn't require monastery-level discipline. Several accessible techniques can be implemented immediately: This method likens cravings to ocean waves—rising, cresting, and eventually falling. The individual is encouraged to 'ride' the wave of the urge through mindful observation, recognizing it as a sensation that will pass. R ecognize the craving ecognize the craving A ccept it without judgment ccept it without judgment I nvestigate the body and emotional state nvestigate the body and emotional state Nurture with compassionate awareness This practice cultivates insight and disarms the urgency of the craving. Slow, intentional breathing anchors attention. A simple three-minute breathing space can help disengage from the intensity of a craving. Body scanning—progressively focusing on each body part—reconnects the individual with their physical experience, diluting mental obsessions. Engaging the five senses with full attention during routine activities—like drinking tea, walking, or even washing hands—can foster mindfulness as a lifestyle, not just a technique. Despite its efficacy, mindfulness is not a silver bullet. Many newcomers struggle with restlessness, skepticism, or impatience. Some believe mindfulness is about achieving a blank mind or escaping discomfort. In truth, it is about turning toward discomfort with clarity and compassion. Inconsistent practice is another hurdle. Like any discipline, mindfulness deepens with repetition. Short, frequent sessions are often more effective than occasional extended practices. Importantly, one must discard the notion of 'perfect mindfulness.' Progress lies not in pristine stillness, but in the repeated act of returning—again and again—to the present. Understanding the Differences in Stimulant Abuse When comparing powerful stimulants, crack vs meth often comes up due to their intense effects and high potential for addiction. Crack, a smokable form of cocaine, produces a short but intense euphoric high that fades quickly, often leading to frequent use. Meth, or methamphetamine, delivers a longer-lasting high and can be ingested in various ways, including smoking or injecting. While both substances severely impact the brain's dopamine system, meth's effects tend to last longer and can lead to more significant cognitive and physical decline. Despite differences, both drugs pose serious risks to physical health, mental stability, and long-term well-being. Cravings will arise. That is the nature of recovery. But they don't have to dictate behavior. Mindfulness offers an elegant and powerful way to relate differently to cravings—not as threats, but as teachers. In staying present, individuals learn to reclaim their agency, respond with intention, and cultivate a life grounded in awareness rather than impulse. The path of mindfulness is not merely a tool for managing cravings—it is a foundation for enduring recovery. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Time Business News
Fast-Acting Anxiety Relief: Zoloft or Lexapro Better?
When anxiety becomes overwhelming, finding a fast-acting and effective treatment is often a top priority. Among the many medications available, zoloft vs lexapro are two of the most commonly prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for anxiety disorders. But when it comes to quick relief, which one works faster or better? Understanding how these medications function, their onset of action, and individual response can help guide the right choice. Finding the right treatment for adult ADHD can be challenging, especially when anxiety is also present. Medications that balance both conditions often lead to better outcomes in daily functioning. In the middle of treatment discussions, best ADHD medication for adults with anxiety becomes a key concern for many. Options like non-stimulants or certain antidepressants are sometimes preferred due to their calming effects. It's important to work closely with a healthcare provider to tailor the medication based on individual needs and reactions. The goal is to enhance focus while minimizing anxiety, ensuring a balanced and productive daily life. Both Zoloft and Lexapro belong to the SSRI class of antidepressants. They work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, a neurotransmitter linked to mood, emotion, and anxiety regulation. Zoloft (sertraline) is FDA-approved for several conditions including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety disorder. Lexapro (escitalopram), on the other hand, is FDA-approved for GAD and major depressive disorder (MDD). Though both drugs work similarly in terms of their impact on serotonin, they have subtle differences in their chemical structure, tolerability, and how quickly they begin to relieve anxiety symptoms. These differences can influence which medication may be more effective for fast-acting relief in a particular patient. Neither Zoloft nor Lexapro provides immediate relief like benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax or Ativan), which work within hours. SSRIs typically take time to build up in the system and exert noticeable effects. However, clinical experiences and studies suggest Lexapro may have a slightly faster onset of action compared to Zoloft for some individuals. Lexapro is often noted for its smoother and earlier onset, with some users reporting mild relief within the first 1–2 weeks. Zoloft, on the other hand, may take closer to 2–4 weeks for patients to begin noticing improvements in anxiety symptoms. That said, full therapeutic effects for both medications typically take 6–8 weeks. This difference in perceived speed can be crucial for those seeking quicker relief. However, it's important to remember that response times can vary widely depending on individual physiology, dosage, and the severity of the anxiety disorder. When it comes to effectiveness, both Zoloft and Lexapro have strong track records in treating anxiety. Several studies have shown that both medications significantly reduce symptoms in patients with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and other related conditions. Lexapro has gained attention in clinical studies for having high remission and response rates in anxiety patients, sometimes outperforming other SSRIs in head-to-head trials. It is also generally well-tolerated, with fewer reported side effects in many cases. Zoloft, while slightly older, is equally robust in terms of effectiveness and is often preferred by psychiatrists due to its broader FDA indications. Some patients find it more energizing, which can be beneficial for those with comorbid depression and fatigue but may be a downside for people who are more sensitive to activating effects. Fast relief is valuable, but tolerability plays a major role in whether a medication can be continued long enough to be effective. Lexapro is generally better tolerated than Zoloft, especially in the early weeks of treatment. Common side effects of Lexapro include nausea, drowsiness, and headache, which tend to be mild and transient. Zoloft may cause more gastrointestinal distress initially, such as diarrhea or upset stomach, and some users report increased anxiety during the first week or two. However, many of these side effects subside as the body adjusts to the medication. For people with sensitive stomachs or those who have previously struggled with SSRI side effects, Lexapro may offer a gentler introduction. That said, side effects are highly individual and should be monitored by a healthcare provider during the initial weeks of treatment. Lexapro is typically prescribed at starting doses of 10 mg, with potential increases to 20 mg per day depending on response. Zoloft usually starts at 25 to 50 mg and can go up to 200 mg daily. The flexibility in dosing with Zoloft can be beneficial in tailoring treatment, especially for patients who need more gradual adjustments. Individual response to SSRIs is unpredictable. Some patients may find significant relief with one and none with the other. Genetics, past treatment history, other medical conditions, and even lifestyle factors can all influence which SSRI works best and how fast it begins to relieve anxiety. If your primary concern is fast-acting anxiety relief, Lexapro may have a slight edge due to its smoother onset and better tolerability profile. However, Zoloft remains a powerful and effective option, especially for patients with a broader range of symptoms or diagnoses. Ultimately, the choice between Zoloft and Lexapro should be made in collaboration with a healthcare provider, considering your specific symptoms, medical history, and how quickly you need relief. In some cases, short-term use of a fast-acting medication like a benzodiazepine may be prescribed alongside an SSRI until the full effects are felt. Both Zoloft and Lexapro are excellent first-line treatments for anxiety, offering long-term relief when used consistently. While Lexapro may start working a little faster for some, Zoloft's versatility and broad effectiveness make it a strong contender. If you're looking for fast-acting anxiety relief, talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms, concerns, and which medication may offer the quickest path to feeling better. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
