Anhedonia in Youth and the Role of Internet-Related Behavior: A Systematic Review

Introduction: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines depression as a persistent period of sadness or a reduced interest in everyday activities lasting at least two weeks. Anhedonia, a key symptom of depression, is notable for its significance and is regarded as the...

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Main Authors: Giovanni Cangelosi, Federico Biondini, Marco Sguanci, Cuc Thi Thu Nguyen, Gaetano Ferrara, Orejeta Diamanti, Sara Morales Palomares, Stefano Mancin, Fabio Petrelli
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Psychiatry International
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-5318/6/1/1
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author Giovanni Cangelosi
Federico Biondini
Marco Sguanci
Cuc Thi Thu Nguyen
Gaetano Ferrara
Orejeta Diamanti
Sara Morales Palomares
Stefano Mancin
Fabio Petrelli
author_facet Giovanni Cangelosi
Federico Biondini
Marco Sguanci
Cuc Thi Thu Nguyen
Gaetano Ferrara
Orejeta Diamanti
Sara Morales Palomares
Stefano Mancin
Fabio Petrelli
author_sort Giovanni Cangelosi
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines depression as a persistent period of sadness or a reduced interest in everyday activities lasting at least two weeks. Anhedonia, a key symptom of depression, is notable for its significance and is regarded as the second most important factor related to non-somatic issues, following closely behind a depressed mood. This study primarily investigates how excessive or problematic use of Internet-connected devices affects the mood and emotions of young people, with a specific emphasis on anhedonia. Additionally, it explores associated socio-behavioral changes and examines the interaction between IA and depression. Methods: This systematic review was conducted following PRISMA international guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library (Clinical Trials section), Scopus, Embase, PsycInfo, and grey literature sources like Google Scholar. A predefined search strategy using Boolean operators was employed, and two researchers independently selected papers, with a third researcher resolving any discrepancies. Manual reviews were conducted to minimize selection bias. Results: Out of 3812 records, 7 studies were included. The findings suggest that social anhedonia correlates with higher levels of IA, particularly among adolescents and young adults. In some studies, loneliness was identified as a mediator between social anhedonia and social functioning, indicating a complex interplay of emotional factors. Other investigations revealed that increased screen time is associated with a heightened risk of developing addiction-related behaviors. Practical Implications and Conclusions: This review highlights the key role of anhedonia in the development of Internet addiction (IA) among young people, particularly through its impact on emotional regulation and social interactions. Addressing psychological and environmental factors is essential for developing targeted strategies to prevent and manage IA and its related mental health challenges.
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spelling doaj-art-a5f8ba5844314f9389e647c07d3541ff2025-08-20T01:48:54ZengMDPI AGPsychiatry International2673-53182024-12-0161110.3390/psychiatryint6010001Anhedonia in Youth and the Role of Internet-Related Behavior: A Systematic ReviewGiovanni Cangelosi0Federico Biondini1Marco Sguanci2Cuc Thi Thu Nguyen3Gaetano Ferrara4Orejeta Diamanti5Sara Morales Palomares6Stefano Mancin7Fabio Petrelli8Unit of Diabetology, Asur Marche, Area Vasta 4, 63900 Fermo, ItalyUnits of Psychiatry, Ast Fermo, 63900 Fermo, ItalyA.O. Polyclinic San Martino Hospital, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, ItalyDepartment of Pharmaceutical Administration and Economics, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi 10000, VietnamNephrology and Dialysis Unit, Ramazzini Hospital, 41012 Carpi, ItalyVeneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, ItalyDepartment of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences (DFSSN), University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, ItalyIRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, ItalySchool of Pharmacy, Polo Medicina Sperimentale e Sanità Pubblica, 62032 Camerino, ItalyIntroduction: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines depression as a persistent period of sadness or a reduced interest in everyday activities lasting at least two weeks. Anhedonia, a key symptom of depression, is notable for its significance and is regarded as the second most important factor related to non-somatic issues, following closely behind a depressed mood. This study primarily investigates how excessive or problematic use of Internet-connected devices affects the mood and emotions of young people, with a specific emphasis on anhedonia. Additionally, it explores associated socio-behavioral changes and examines the interaction between IA and depression. Methods: This systematic review was conducted following PRISMA international guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library (Clinical Trials section), Scopus, Embase, PsycInfo, and grey literature sources like Google Scholar. A predefined search strategy using Boolean operators was employed, and two researchers independently selected papers, with a third researcher resolving any discrepancies. Manual reviews were conducted to minimize selection bias. Results: Out of 3812 records, 7 studies were included. The findings suggest that social anhedonia correlates with higher levels of IA, particularly among adolescents and young adults. In some studies, loneliness was identified as a mediator between social anhedonia and social functioning, indicating a complex interplay of emotional factors. Other investigations revealed that increased screen time is associated with a heightened risk of developing addiction-related behaviors. Practical Implications and Conclusions: This review highlights the key role of anhedonia in the development of Internet addiction (IA) among young people, particularly through its impact on emotional regulation and social interactions. Addressing psychological and environmental factors is essential for developing targeted strategies to prevent and manage IA and its related mental health challenges.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-5318/6/1/1anhedoniayouthInternet addictionsystematic review
spellingShingle Giovanni Cangelosi
Federico Biondini
Marco Sguanci
Cuc Thi Thu Nguyen
Gaetano Ferrara
Orejeta Diamanti
Sara Morales Palomares
Stefano Mancin
Fabio Petrelli
Anhedonia in Youth and the Role of Internet-Related Behavior: A Systematic Review
Psychiatry International
anhedonia
youth
Internet addiction
systematic review
title Anhedonia in Youth and the Role of Internet-Related Behavior: A Systematic Review
title_full Anhedonia in Youth and the Role of Internet-Related Behavior: A Systematic Review
title_fullStr Anhedonia in Youth and the Role of Internet-Related Behavior: A Systematic Review
title_full_unstemmed Anhedonia in Youth and the Role of Internet-Related Behavior: A Systematic Review
title_short Anhedonia in Youth and the Role of Internet-Related Behavior: A Systematic Review
title_sort anhedonia in youth and the role of internet related behavior a systematic review
topic anhedonia
youth
Internet addiction
systematic review
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-5318/6/1/1
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