A new study suggests that college students who spend excessive time online are likely to develop mental health problems.

The study was conducted by Canadian researchers at the McMaster University in Ontario and headed by Dr. Michael Van Ameringen, professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at the university.

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As part of the conduct the study, the researchers evaluated the internet usage habits of 254 freshmen at McMaster University. They used the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), a tool developed in 1998 and other tools they developed, according to Science Daily. 

With the use of a new screening tool, 33 students met the criteria for Internet addiction and other 107 for problematic internet use. Also, the research team conducted a further series of self-reported tests to determine how Internet addicts compared to others in areas like symptoms of depression and anxiety, impulsiveness, inattention and executive functioning. They also administered tests for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The findings proved that Internet addicts cannot control their impulse to use video streaming, social networking sites, and instant messaging tools, US News reported. Internet addicts also have difficulty handling their daily routines and have higher rates of depression, anxiety, impulsiveness, and inattention. They were also found to have problems executing plans and time management. 

The findings on the recent study hint at an association between internet use and mental health. Lead researcher Van Ameringen stated that further studies are needed to find out if these mental health issues are a cause or a result of excessive internet use.

The study was presented at the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology's (ECNP) annual meeting in Vienna, Austria.

"This may have practical medical implications. If you are trying to treat someone for an addiction when in fact they are anxious or depressed, then you may be going down the wrong route. We need to understand this more, so we need a bigger sample, drawn from a wider, more varied population," Van Ameringen said in an ECNP news release.

The study findings could have an impact on how psychiatrists approach people who spend a significant amount of time online.