Distress Tied to Digital Overuse
In a survey of 420 Italian adults, psychological distress showed stronger associations than autistic traits with problematic internet and mobile phone use, although both were associated with higher digital-use scores.
By
Andrea Surnit
June 29, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Distress Tied to Digital Overuse
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Problematic Internet and Mobile Phone Use Key Mechanisms Association between psychological distress and digital overuse, with autism-related traits also considered. Target Population Adults aged 18 to 65 years in Italy. Care Setting Mental health assessment and intervention.
Key Highlights
Psychological distress is associated with higher problematic internet and mobile phone use. Autism-related traits show a weaker association with digital overuse compared to psychological distress. Younger adults (18-24 years) reported the highest levels of problematic use and distress. The study utilized self-reported measures and did not include clinical diagnostic assessments. Findings may not generalize due to the nonrepresentative sample. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Use the Autism Spectrum Quotient for assessing autism-related traits. Management
Interventions should focus on reducing psychological distress and improving coping skills. Monitoring & Follow-up
Consider longitudinal designs to clarify relationships among distress, traits, and digital use. Risks
Caution against generalizing findings due to the sample's demographic limitations. Patient & Prescribing Data
Adults with varying levels of psychological distress and autism-related traits.
Focus on addressing psychological distress may be relevant for those with problematic digital use.
Clinical Best Practices
Utilize validated scales for assessing psychological distress and digital use. Consider the impact of age and gender on digital use behaviors. Related Resources & Content
