Psychiatry resident co-authors book chapter on internet gaming disorder

Leading often leads to opportunity. That’s how Angela Eke-Usim, M.D., concluded her psychiatry residency at Authority Health.

As a resident, she was accepted into the Leadership Fellowship program of the American Psychiatry Association (APA). Dr. Eke-Usim was elected vice-chair of the fellowship, which was instrumental in the creation of a resident-fellow caucus. Beginning this spring, psychiatry residents and fellows throughout the nation will have a voice in the policymaking of the APA through this caucus.

Her accomplishments and interest in child and adult psychiatry, as well as addiction psychiatry, led Dr. Petros Levounis, an international addiction expert, to accept her as a co-author of a new book on gaming disorders set for publication this year. Dr. Eke-Usim recalls a conversation with the chair of her Leadership Fellowship, who mentioned that the lead author was seeking a co-author for a chapter in his book. “You’re interested in addiction in both children and adults—this would be a perfect fit for you,” he told her.

This is Dr. Eke-Usim’s first experience writing a book chapter. Although she has published several professional articles, she describes this project as especially demanding due to its length—spanning over 40 pages—and the collaborative nature of the work. She and her two co-authors each drafted their sections within a shared document, which was then submitted for editing. “This took me far outside my comfort zone,” she reflects.

The prevalence of excessive internet exposure to children has created behavioral problems, not only for children but adults as well. Dr. Eke-Usim’s chapter examines the symptoms of the issue and outlines behavioral treatment approaches—primarily lifestyle modifications, though medication may be considered in some cases. With early detection and appropriate guidance, the behavior is often correctable. “Sometimes, as adults, we underestimate children,” she says. “They recognize the signs of addiction in others. Many are able to self-regulate and others may require additional support through therapy.”

This offers an opportunity for primary care providers to make early intervention, she says. Internet addiction with children usually starts with subtle signs, such as declining academic performance and emotional issues, as well as physical problems like obesity, poor posture, sleep disturbances, eye strain, and increasing family arguments. “At that time, they will probably see their primary care provider,” Dr. Eke-Usim says. “If a primary care physician or caregiver sees a child at that stage, it’s essential to conduct a thorough psychosocial assessment rather than glossing over the details,” she explains. “I understand there are time constraints, but it’s important to go beyond simply asking how much screen time they’re getting.” Providers should look for subtle indicators of underlying issues and intervene early. “That’s when lifestyle modifications are most effective—and well within the scope of a primary care provider,” she adds. A pediatrician or family physician can integrate this into the child’s ongoing care plan, without necessarily referring to a psychiatrist—unless the condition worsens. Medication, she emphasizes, can be cautiously introduced if deemed necessary, but only after other interventions have been explored.

Dr. Eke-Usim has had a very active residency at Authority Health, which not only included her APA fellowship activities. She completed two years of psychoanalytic training through the Michigan Psychoanalytic Society as well. And her training isn’t over. Beginning in July, she will be pursuing a two-year child and adult psychiatry fellowship at Wayne State University, followed by a one-year addiction psychiatry fellowship.

“Authority Health has taken me places beyond my expectations and provided opportunities for national conference presentations, collaborative research projects and connections with great minds who invited me to co-author a book chapter and I am grateful to Authority Health for this awesome start to my career”.

The Authority Health Graduate Medical Education Teaching Health Center program offers medical residencies in Psychiatry, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine. For more information visit https://authorityhealth.org/graduate-medical-education.