AVALIAÇÃO DAS IMPLICAÇÕES EM CASOS DO EXCESSO DE USO DE TECNOLOGIAS E O AUMENTO DOS DIAGNÓSTICOS DE TRANSTORNOS MENTAIS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In recent decades, the excessive use of digital technologies among children and adolescents has raised growing concern in the scientific and educational community. Increased screen time has been associated with several negative impacts on the physical, cognitive, and emotional development of young people, raising hypotheses about its possible relationship with the increase in diagnoses of mental disorders. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the psychosocial implications of the excessive use of digital technologies in the increase in diagnostics of mental disorders in children and adolescents, identifying the main mechanisms involved in this relationship. METHODOLOGY: Through a integrative bibliographic review, in the Virtual Health Library (BVS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), and PubMed databases, between 2015 and 2025, 15 articles were analyzed, seeking to identify the main mechanisms involved in this relationship, including: articles in English and/or Portuguese, that answered the guiding question: “How does the excessive use of technologies interfere in the increase in cases of mental illness and what are the main mechanisms involved in this relationship?” RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The studies analyzed indicate a significant correlation between prolonged screen time use and the development of disorders such as depression, anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In addition, impairments in sleep quality, increased childhood obesity, difficulties in socialization, and impairment of neurological and cognitive development were observed. It was also evident that the lack of parental mediation, the type of content accessed, and the lack of limits on the use of digital devices are factors that intensify the associated risks. CONCLUSION: Given the findings, there is an urgent need to promote the conscious and balanced use of technologies among children and adolescents. Strategies such as active mediation by parents and educators, the definition of time limits, and the careful selection of content are essential to minimize the negative effects identified. The research reinforces the importance of public policies, educational actions, and new studies that contribute to the mental health and healthy development of new generations.

Keywords: Digital technology, Mental disorders, Child,  Adolescent.