BMC Psychiatry. 2026 May 23. doi: 10.1186/s12888-026-08212-9. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity beyond developmental expectations. Problematic technology engagement, including increased smartphone use, is frequently observed among adolescents with ADHD. Phubbing, a term combining ‘phone’ and ‘snubbing,’ refers to ignoring others in a social setting by focusing on one’s smartphone rather than engaging in face-to-face interaction and has been linked to impaired interpersonal communication. Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS), formerly referred to as sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT), is characterized by excessive daydreaming, mental confusion, low initiative, and slowed responding and is associated with social withdrawal. However, no prior studies have investigated ADHD-phubbing or CDS-phubbing relationships in adolescents. This study examined group differences in phubbing and explored associations among phubbing, ADHD symptoms, and CDS severity.
METHODS: In this case-control study, 48 adolescents diagnosed with ADHD and 38 healthy controls aged 12-17 completed; Sociodemographic Data Form, General Phubbing Scale, and Conners-Wells Adolescent Self-Report Scale Short Form. Parents completed Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory SCT Scale. ADHD was diagnosed via DSM-5 based clinical interviews. Group comparisons and correlation analyses were conducted using appropriate statistical tests.
RESULTS: Phubbing scores were significantly higher in the ADHD group than in controls. Phubbing scores demonstrated significant positive correlations with self-reported ADHD symptom domains, including conduct problems, inattention, hyperactivity, and the ADHD Index. CDS severity did not reach significance within the ADHD group but was significantly associated with phubbing scores in the full sample. Adolescents whose CDS symptoms impaired social functioning reported higher phubbing scores. Daily smartphone use exceeding 3 hours and social media use were also associated with elevated phubbing scores.
CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that phubbing scores is elevated among adolescents with ADHD and is positively associated with ADHD symptom severity. CDS-particularly when accompanied by social impairment-is also associated with higher phubbing scores. The results highlight the potential utility of assessing smartphone and other electronic technology use when evaluating adolescents with ADHD and CDS. However, given the cross-sectional nature of this study, causal or directional inferences cannot be drawn. Future research with larger and untreated samples is warranted.
CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.
PMID:42177470 | DOI:10.1186/s12888-026-08212-9
