Problematic internet use (PIU): Associations with the impulsive-compulsive spectrum. An application of machine learning in psychiatry.

Journal: Journal of psychiatric research
PMID: 27580487

Abstract

Problematic internet use is common, functionally impairing, and in need of further study. Its relationship with obsessive-compulsive and impulsive disorders is unclear. Our objective was to evaluate whether problematic internet use can be predicted from recognised forms of impulsive and compulsive traits and symptomatology. We recruited volunteers aged 18 and older using media advertisements at two sites (Chicago USA, and Stellenbosch, South Africa) to complete an extensive online survey. State-of-the-art out-of-sample evaluation of machine learning predictive models was used, which included Logistic Regression, Random Forests and Naïve Bayes. Problematic internet use was identified using the Internet Addiction Test (IAT). 2006 complete cases were analysed, of whom 181 (9.0%) had moderate/severe problematic internet use. Using Logistic Regression and Naïve Bayes we produced a classification prediction with a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (ROC-AUC) of 0.83 (SD 0.03) whereas using a Random Forests algorithm the prediction ROC-AUC was 0.84 (SD 0.03) [all three models superior to baseline models p < 0.0001]. The models showed robust transfer between the study sites in all validation sets [p < 0.0001]. Prediction of problematic internet use was possible using specific measures of impulsivity and compulsivity in a population of volunteers. Moreover, this study offers proof-of-concept in support of using machine learning in psychiatry to demonstrate replicability of results across geographically and culturally distinct settings.

Authors

  • Konstantinos Ioannidis
    Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK; Cambridge and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
  • Samuel R Chamberlain
    Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK; Cambridge and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
  • Matthias S Treder
    Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, UK.
  • Franz Kiraly
    University College London, Department of Statistical Science, London, UK.
  • Eric W Leppink
    Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
  • Sarah A Redden
    Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
  • Dan J Stein
    MRC Unit on Risk & Resilience to Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
  • Christine Lochner
    US/UCT MRC Unit on Anxiety & Stress Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa.
  • Jon E Grant
    Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA. Electronic address: jongrant@uchicago.edu.

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