ADHD and Screen Addiction in Children Aged 3-9: Staged Recovery and Neurophysiological Markers

Maria Ts. Stefanova, Violeta R. Manolova and Stoyan R. Vezenkov

Center of applied neuroscience Vezenkov, BG-1582 Sofia

e-mail: info@vezenkov.com

For citation: Stefanova M.Ts., Manolova, V.R. and Vezenkov S.R. (2025) ADHD and Screen Addiction in Children Aged 3-9: Staged Recovery and Neurophysiological Markers. Nootism 1(1), 66-73, ISSN 3033-1765

*This paper was presented by Dr. Maria Stefanova at the Second Science Conference "Screen Children" on November 23, 2024, in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Abstract

This study explores the stages of recovery from screen addiction and their correlation with the rehabilitation process in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Using quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) and behavioral observations, the research aims to identify neurophysiological markers linked to both ADHD and screen addiction while tracking their progression throughout therapy.

The study includes 58 children aged 3 to 9 years diagnosed with ADHD. Traditionally, ADHD neurophysiological profiles fall into three primary categories:

1. Theta type – characterized by an excess of slow-wave activity and impulsivity.
2. Alpha type – marked by increased alpha activity, leading to cognitive underactivity.
3. Beta type – associated with excessive beta activity, often linked to anxiety and cognitive overload.

QEEG and behavioral analyses revealed a fourth, hybrid alpha-theta type, where attention is not absent but rather fixated on screen stimuli. This challenges the conventional understanding of ADHD, suggesting that screen addiction alters attentional dynamics rather than simply exacerbating inattention.

The therapeutic process follows a structured, cyclical model, moving through phases such as complete detachment and disengagement, activation and excitation, sensory integration, non-selective disinhibition and hyperactivity, mirror system engagement, cortical awakening, inhibition, selective disinhibition and impulse control. This step-by-step approach gradually reduces both screen addiction and ADHD symptoms.

In the early therapy stages, children exhibit heightened sensory sensitivity and behavioral regression, followed by periods of intense cognitive and emotional disinhibition. Over time, automated behavioral patterns fade, attention reorients to real-world stimuli, and ADHD symptoms decrease.

The findings highlight the importance of personalized therapeutic strategies based on QEEG markers, offering new insights into the relationship between screen addiction and ADHD and paving the way for more effective recovery interventions.

Keywords: ADHD, screen addiction, QEEG, staged recovery, biofeedback

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https://www.nootism.eu/articles/issue01-april2025/adhd-and-screen-addiction-in-children-aged-3-9-staged-recovery-and-neurophysiological-markers-1