Approach to the phenomenology of behavioural addictions and its relation to technologies: first clinical exam in south-European countries

Background: Few cross-cultural studies have measured behavioural addictions in patient samples who are under diagnosis, undergoing treatment or in follow-up, and less attention has been paid to the role of technology use. The aim of this study was to describe the profile of these patients and if their technology use had a role in their addictive behaviours. Methods: An online survey of Tech Use Disorders project (627999) was adapted to this clinical population collecting data across four European countries, that have health centres and clinics
treating behavioural addictions. Results: 79 adult patients answered the survey. The majority were Spanish and Italian, with half of them under treatment for an addictive problem (other comorbidities: depression, anxiety, hyperactivity), and few with other addictive problems (e.g., to substances: opiates, cannabis; to behaviours: sex, emotional dependence). In relation to their technological use, those with pathological gambling and pornography behaviours seemed to excessively use technologies. However, a clear pattern of technology use was not
evident. Conclusions: This work-in-progress will be described to debate what type of patients are receiving these clinics, what technology they usually use, and if these technologies seem to be linked to their addictive behaviours.