2. What is Addiction?What is Addiction?
“The state of being enslaved to a habit or practice
or to something that is psychologically or physically
habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that
its cessation causes severe trauma.” (
www.dictionary.com)
Individuals become compulsively dependent upon
a particular kind of stimulation.
To the point where attaining a steady supply of that
stimulation becomes the goals of their lives.
Addicts progressively neglect work duties,
relationships and ultimately even their own health
in order to remain stimulated.
http://www.minddisorders.com/Flu-
Inv/Internet-addiction-disorder.html
3. Internet AddictionInternet Addiction
Five Subtypes
◦ Cybersexual: addiction to cybersex and internet
pornography.
◦ Cyber-relational: addiction to social
networking, Chat Rooms, Instant
Messenger, etc.
◦ Net Compulsions: addiction to online gaming,
gambling and Ebay
◦ Information Overload: addiction to excessive web
surfing and database searches.
◦ Computer Addiction: addiction to pre-
programmed computer games (Solitare,
Minesweeper).
http://www.netaddiction.com/whatis.htm
4. Net-Compulsions AddictionNet-Compulsions Addiction
An addiction to online video games, role-playing
games, or any interactive gaming environment
available through the Internet.
◦ Online games such as:
Extensive chat features in these such games offer
an aspect missing from offline activities, and the
collaborative/competitive nature of working with
or against other players can make it hard to take a
break.
http://www.netaddiction.com/whatis.htm
5. Internet Addiction DisorderInternet Addiction Disorder
Problematic use of the Internet,
◦ Electronic mail (e-mail)
◦ World Wide Web
◦ Gaming
Internet addiction disorder is not listed in the
mental health professional's handbook, the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders (DSM), fourth edition,
text revision (2000)
Internet addiction has been formally
recognized as a disorder by the American
Psychological Association
http://www.minddisorders.com/Flu-
Inv/Internet-addiction-disorder.html
6. Causes to Internet AddictionCauses to Internet Addiction
One theory concerns the
mood-altering potential of
behaviors related to process
addictions (similar to a
shopping addiction).
Internet use might be
reinforced by pleasurable
thoughts and feelings that
occur while the person is using
the Internet.
Researchers question the
concept of an "addictive
personality" as such, it is
possible that someone who
has one addiction may be
prone to become addicted to
other substances or activities,
including Internet use
The interactive aspects of the
Internet, such as chat rooms,
e-mail, and interactive games,
seem to be more likely to lead
to Internet addiction than
simply web surfing.
Social or peer dynamics might
prompt excessive Internet use.
Some affected persons may
lack the social skills that
would enable them to meet
people in person rather than
online.
http://www.minddisorders.com/Flu-
Inv/Internet-addiction-disorder.html
7. DiagnosisDiagnosis
The patient must meet all of
the following criteria:
◦ Is preoccupied with the Internet
(thinks about previous online
activity or is anticipating the next
online session).
◦ Needs to spend longer and longer
periods of time online in order to
feel satisfied.
◦ 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.
◦ Repeatedly stays online longer
than he or she originally
intended.
The person must meet at least
one of the following criteria:
◦ Has jeopardized or risked the loss
of a significant relationship, job,
educational or career opportunity
because of Internet use.
◦ Has lied to family members, a
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 an unpleasant mood
(such as feelings of helplessness,
guilt, anxiety, or depression).
http://www.minddisorders.com/Flu-
Inv/Internet-addiction-disorder.html
8. Are YOU Addicted to the Internet?Are YOU Addicted to the Internet?
Online Gaming Quiz Internet Addiction Quiz
9. Prevalence of Gaming Addiction:Prevalence of Gaming Addiction:
North Korea and ChinaNorth Korea and China
North Korea: estimated that 210,000 children ages
6-19 require treatment for online gaming addiction
◦ 20%-24% of those require hospitalization as
treatment
China: estimated that 10 million teenagers meet
addiction criteria
◦ New laws discourage more than 3 hours of daily
game use
Block, J.J. 2008. Issues for DSM-V: Internet
addiction. American Journal of Psychiatry,
165(3)
10. Prevalence of Gaming Addiction:Prevalence of Gaming Addiction:
United StatesUnited States
Internet cafes rarely used, so attempts to measure
online gaming addiction clouded by shame, denial,
and minimization.
Estimated that 86% of Internet addiction cases are
complicated by co-morbidity.
Internet addiction unlikely to be found unless the
therapist specifically screens for it.
Adolescents have been identified as being most at
risk for online gaming addiction.
Block, J.J. 2008. Issues for DSM-V: Internet
addiction. American Journal of Psychiatry,
165(3)
11. Prevalence of Internet AddictionPrevalence of Internet Addiction
◦ 1 out of 8 Americans
suffer from
Internet Addiction.
◦ 14% said it is
hard to abstain
from Internet use
for several days.
◦ 5.9% said
excessive Internet use
affected their
relationships.
◦ 8.2% said the
Internet was a
means of escape
from the real world.
According to the Stanford University
School of Medicine Study
http://www.netaddiction.com/whatis.htm
12. Effects of Online Gaming AddictionEffects of Online Gaming Addiction
Increase in aggressive behavior
Hostile emotions
Aggressive thinking
Educational issues
Grusser, S.M., Thalemann, R. & Griffiths,
M.D. (2007). Excessive computer game
playing: Evidence for addiction and
aggression? CyberPsychology & Behavior,
10(2).
13. Effects of Online Gaming AddictionEffects of Online Gaming Addiction
Isolation from family and friends.
Focusing entirely on game achievements rather than on
life events.
Disrupted sleep patterns.
Relationships may suffer.
Addicts may gain or lose significant amounts of weight.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_ad
diction
14. Effects of Online Gaming AddictionEffects of Online Gaming Addiction
Attempts were made to survey friends
believed to be addicted to online gaming,
however only 2 responses were received and
both denied overuse of/addiction to online
gaming.
16. Online Treatment for OnlineOnline Treatment for Online
Addiction?Addiction?
Cyber Treatment for Online Addiction
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1064/537860694_481872
http://www.netaddiction.com/articles/symptoms.htm
17. TreatmentTreatment
Abstinence from internet use
Support groups and antidepressants or anti-anxiety
medications
Changing the environment
◦ Decrease reinforcements of internet use
Identify and change triggers to internet use
Social skills training or family and couples therapy
if internet is being used to avoid certain situations
Recognizing and being prepared for relapse in
order to prevent relapse from occurring
http://www.minddisorders.com/Flu-
Inv/Internet-addiction-disorder.html
18. TreatmentTreatment
Researchers compared internet addictions
to addictive syndromes similar to impulse-
control disorders on the Axis 1 Scale in the
DSM-IV-TR. Like these impulse-control
disorders,(such as, intermittent explosive
disorder, pathological gambling, and
trichotillimania), cognitive behavioral
therapy (CBT) has shown to be effective.
19. CBT cont.
In the early stages of treatment therapy is
behavioral, focusing on the behaviors
related to the disorder that causes the
greatest difficulty. As therapy progresses
there is a focus is on cognitive distortions
that have developed and the effects of these
on behavior. Finally, problem solving skills
and coping strategies training, modeling,
support groups, and tracking progress
through journals.
20. CBT Cont.CBT Cont.
CBT is based on the premise that
thoughts determine feelings. Patients
are taught to monitor their thoughts
and identify the thoughts that trigger
the addictive feelings and actions to
prevent taking the actions. CBT
typically requires 3 months or
treatment, or about 12 weekly
sessions.
21. Co-morbiditiesCo-morbidities
Research has shown that internet addictions are
common among people of all ages who have mood
disorders, anxiety disorders, impulse control
disorders, and substance misuse disorders. Also
many people who have an internet addiction suffer
from depression, a recent breakdown in a
relationship, and social isolation. These conditions
need to be treated as well. Pharacological
interventions can be used to treat the comorbid
psychiatric disorders, such as depression, along
with CBT.
22. References
Center for Internet Addiction Recovery. (2006). What is
Internet Addiction? Retrieved July 24, 2009 from the World
Wide Web, http://www.netaddiction.com/whatis.htm
Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders. (2008). Internet
Addiction Disorder. Retrieved July 24, 2009, by Avameg
Incorporated Web Site:
http://www.minddisorders.com/Flu-Inv/Internet-addiction-diso
Murali, V., Onuba, I. (2009). Management of internet
addiction. General Practive Update, 2(5), 32-35.
Young, K.S. (2007). Cognitive behavior
therapy with internet addicts: Treatment outcomes and
implications. Cyberpsychology & Behavior, 10(5), 671-679
Grusser, S.M., Thalemann, R. & Griffiths, M.D. (2007).
Excessive computer game playing: Evidence for addiction and
aggression? CyberPsychology & Behavior, 10(2).
Block, J.J. 2008. Issues for DSM-V: Internet addiction.
American Journal of Psychiatry, 165(3)
