INTERNET ADDICTION DISORDER

MG Ajero Advanced Abnormal Psych Ms. Cha Orense

Company

LOGO

Are you addicted?

While time spent online can be hugely productive, compulsive Internet use can interfere with daily life, work, and relationships. When you feel more comfortable with your online friends than your real ones, or you cant stop yourself from playing games, gambling, or compulsively surfingeven when it has negative consequences in your life, then you may be using the Internet too much.

What is computer/internet addiction disorder?

Internet addiction disorder (IAD), or, more broadly, Internet overuse, problematic computer use or pathological computer use, is excessive computer use that interferes with daily life It refers to the excessive amounts of time spent on the computer. The preoccupation can cause problems with relationships and even with work performance.

Dispute Disorder
Known academic authorities take stances in either supporting or opposing the existence of Internet addiction disorder (IAD) The American Medical Association declined to recommend to the American Psychiatric Association that they include IAD as a formal diagnosis in DSM-V and recommended further study of video game overuse Center for Internet Addiction Recovery (whose director is Kimberly S. Young),has lobbied for the recognition of net abuse as a distinct clinical disorder. Psychiatrist Dr. Goldberg states that Internet addiction disorder is not a true addiction and may in fact be no more than a symptom of other, existing disorders.

DSM IV INTERNET ADDICTION DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA

CYBERPSYCHOLOGY & BEHAVIOR -Volume 4, Number 3, 2001

Five (or more) of the following:

Is preoccupied with the Internet (think about previous online activity or anticipate next online session). Needs to use the Internet with increased amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction. Has made unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop Internet use. Is restless, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop Internet use. Has stayed online longer than originally intended. Has jeopardized or risked the loss of a significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of the Internet. Has lied to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet. Uses the Internet as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression).

PROPOSED INTERNET ADDICTION DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA by Kimberly Young

CYBERPSYCHOLOGY & BEHAVIOR -Volume 4, Number 3, 2001

All the following (15) must be present:

Is preoccupied with the Internet (think about previous online activity or anticipate next online session). Needs to use the Internet with increased amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction. Has made unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop Internet use. Is restless, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop Internet use. Has stayed online longer than originally intended.

At least one of the following:

Has jeopardized or risked the loss of a significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of the Internet. Has lied to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet. Uses the Internet as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression).

Mark Griffiths Criteria

Salience: Using the Internet dominates the persons life, feelings and behaviour. Mood modification: The person experiences changes in mood (e.g. a buzz) when using the Internet. Tolerance: Increasing amounts of Internet use are needed to achieve the same effects on mood. Withdrawal symptoms: If the person stops using the Internet, they experience unpleasant feelings or physical effects. Relapse: The addict tends to relapse into earlier patterns of behaviour, even after years of abstinence or control.
Mark D. Griffiths is an English Chartered Psychologist focusing in the field of gaming addiction and gambling. He is a Professor of Gambling Studies at Nottingham Trent university, and Director of the International Gaming Research Unit. He is also an author of several books, including Gambling Addiction and its Treatment Within the NHS, Gambling and Gaming Addictions in Adolescence, Adolescent Gambling and over 400 refereed papers, 70 book chapters and more than 1,000 articles.

IAD and variety of impulsecontrol problems

Cybersex Addiction compulsive use of Internet pornography, adult chat rooms, or adult fantasy role-play sites impacting negatively on real-life intimate relationships. Cyber-Relationship Addiction addiction to social networking, chat rooms, and messaging to the point where virtual, online friends become more important than real-life relationships with family and friends. Net Compulsions such as compulsive online gaming, gambling, stock trading, or compulsive use of online auction sites such as eBay, often resulting in financial and job-related problems. Information Overload compulsive web surfing or database searching, leading to lower work productivity and less social interaction with family and friends. Computer Addiction obsessive playing of off-line computer games, such as Solitaire or Minesweeper, or obsessive computer programming.

Reasons of addiction
To relieve of unpleasant and overwhelming feelings such as stress, loneliness, depression and anxiety. Provides pathological users with a way to express themselves that is considered more satisfying than previous methods of selfexpression A way of escaping from reality

Risk factors for Internet addiction

You suffer from anxiety You are depressed You have any other addiction You lack social support You are unhappy You are less mobile/socially active than you once were You are stressed

Signs and Symptoms

Losing track of time Having trouble completing task at school/work/home Isolation from family and friends Feeling guilty or defensive about your internet use Feeling a sense of euphoria while involved in internet activities

Signs and Symptoms

Anxiety if access to computer denied Persistent need to spend excessive amount of time on the computer Neglecting other duties in order to spend time on the computer Forgoing social activities in order to spend time on the computer Compulsive need to spend time on the computer Feeling empty when not at the computer Feeling irritable when not at the computer Feeling depressed when not at the computer Lying to other people about amount of time spent on the computer Social Isolation Withdrawing from other pleasurable activities

Physical symptoms
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Dry eyes or strained vision Back aches and neck aches Severe headaches Sleep disturbances Pronounced weight gain or weight loss

Morphological changes
A study analyzed Chinese college students who had been classified as computer addicts by the study designers and who used a computer around 10 hours a day, 6 days a week.

Scientists have found that compulsive internet use can produce morphological changes in the structure of the brain.

The study found reductions in the sizes of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, rostral anterior cingulate cortex, supplementary motor area and parts of the cerebellum compared to students deemed "not addicted" by the designers.

On the other hand, increases in the density of the right parahippocampal gyrus and a spot called the left posterior limb of the internal capsule were also found.

IA - Cybersex & Pornography

While online pornography and cybersex addictions are types of sexual addiction, special challenges on the Internet include its relative anonymity and ease of access. Compulsively spending hours on the Internet viewing pornography or engaging in other cybersex activities can adversely affect real-life relationships, career, and emotional health.

IA - Online Gambling
While gambling has been a well-documented problem for years, the availability of Internet gambling has made gambling far more accessible. It has also made it harder for recovering addicts to avoid relapse. Online or virtual casinos are open all day, every day for anyone with Internet access. People who dont live within close proximity of a traditional casino or betting track, for example, or even those who are too young to gain access, now find it much easier to gamble online.

IA - Other net compulsions

Net compulsions such as compulsive stock trading or online auction shopping can be just as financially and socially damaging as online gambling. Compulsive online gamers can isolate themselves for many hours at a time participating in virtual reality or online fantasy games, neglecting other aspects of their lives such as work and family.

IA - Cyber-relationships
When used responsibly, the Internet can be a great place to interact socially, meet new people, and even start romantic relationships. However, online relationships can often be more intense than those in real life. Another problem is that about 50% of people online lie about their age, weight, job, marital status, or gender. When online friends meet and the real-life person fails to match the online persona, it can create profound emotional disappointment.

Comorbidity
These disorders may also be the causes of IAD (accdg. to Kimberly Young) Depression (most common cause) ADHD Anxiety disorder Phobia Other related addictions involve Communication A.D. and Online Gaming addiction Dr. Maressa Orzack of McLean Hospital noted that primarily depression and bi-polar in its depressive swing were co-morbid features of pathological Internet use.

Measurement
Psychiatric Service Study

Conducted a study with 100 volunteers. Results showed that internet users who suffered from existing mental health issues spec. depression and social impairment had a higher risk of IAD.

Internet Addiction test

IAT is the 1st validated instrument to assess IA. Youngs IAT combined with her survey report discovered the ff:

25% of Internet users reported becoming addicted to the Internet within the first 6 months online and 58% of the respondents met her criteria for Internet addiction within 1 year Respondents used the Internet an average of 38 hours a week. Respondents admitted to trying to cut down on their Internet use and failing despite significant problems it was causing. Nearly 80% of Internet addicts engaged in two-way communication forums such as chat rooms and interactive games.

Treatment
CBT Counseling (family and marriage) Corrective strategies such as ContentControl software Group support Treatment Center (ReStart) Psychotherapy Medication (to treat anxiety or depression)

Related articles

Violent Video Games Are a Risk Factor for Criminal Behavior and Aggression, New Evidence Shows Mar. 26, 2013 People are quick to point the finger or dismiss the effect of violent video games as a factor in criminal behavior. New evidence from Iowa State researchers demonstrates a link between video games and youth violence and delinquency. Journal Reference:: M. DeLisi, M. G. Vaughn, D. A. Gentile, C. A. Anderson, J. J. Shook. Violent Video Games, Delinquency, and Youth Violence: New Evidence. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice, 2012; 11 (2): 132 DOI: 10.1177/1541204012460874

Related Articles

Violent Video Games Reduce Brain Response to Violence and Increase Aggressive Behavior, Study Suggests

May 26, 2011 Scientists have known for years that playing violent video games causes players to become more aggressive. The findings of a new University of Missouri (MU) study provide one explanation for why this occurs: the brains of violent video game players become less responsive to violence, and this diminished brain response predicts an increase in aggression. Journal reference: University of Missouri-Columbia (2011, May 26). Violent video games reduce brain response to violence and increase aggressive behavior, study suggests. ScienceDaily. Retrieved July 8, 2013, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2011/05/110525151059.htm

References
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/internet_cybersex_ addiction.htm http://www.rightdiagnosis.com
M. DeLisi, M. G. Vaughn, D. A. Gentile, C. A. Anderson, J. J. Shook. Violent Video Games, Delinquency, and Youth Violence: New Evidence. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice, 2012; 11 (2): 132 DOI: 10.1177/1541204012460874 University of Missouri-Columbia (2011, May 26). Violent video games reduce brain response to violence and increase aggressive behavior, study suggests. ScienceDaily. Retrieved July 8, 2013, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2011/05/110525151059.htm Modification in the Proposed Diagnostic Criteria for Internet Addiction, CyberPsychology and Behavior, Volume 4, Number 3, 2001, Mary Ann Liebert Inc., Keith W. Beard, Psy.D and Eve M. Wolf, Ph. D