In recognition of National ADHD Awareness Week, the University of Michigan presents: “ADHD and the Cyber Junkie” by Kevin Roberts, Author of "Cyber Junkie: Escape the Gaming and Internet Trap" September 21, 2011

Did you know that those with ADHD who play more than one hour of Internet/console video games may experience intensified symptoms of ADHD? Moreover, their school/work performance also suffers when they put in too much screen time. This problem becomes even more acute given the easy accessibility of games through the proliferation of mobile, digital devices. Kevin Roberts began his computer gaming obsession in Angell Hall’s computer lab. In the ten years following graduation from the University of Michigan in 1993, he racked up 14,000 hours of “recreational” game time. He held down a job, but spent most of his free time in front of a computer screen. Support and intervention from friends finally got him to control his cyber behaviors. Roberts takes audiences deep into the world of the cyber addict, examining the issues that underlie compulsive urges. Discussed are warning signs and tools to prevent and deal with this addiction, especially for those with ADHD who are at high risk.

Kevin Roberts is currently an ADHD coach, director of curriculum for the EmpowerADD Project, and a leader of support groups for those with cyber addictions.

Official Website: http://ssd.umich.edu/index.html