Internet addictions: A real medical menace?

Mon Mar 24, 2008 12:20PM EDT

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Alcohol, drugs, food, sex, and even shopping are all candidates for medical treatment and are recognized as genuine mental disorders, so what about the Internet? Internet addiction -defined as "excessive gaming, sexual pre-occupations, and email/text messaging" - is becoming so common that at least one psychiatrist says it merits inclusion in psychiatry's official handbook of mental illness, the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders."

Dr. Jerald Block of the Oregon Health and Science University is the latest voice pushing for this inclusion, noting that tech junkies display genuinely debilitating behavior, including drug-like cravings, withdrawal, and a constant need for more and better gear - just like a substance addict might exhibit.

But other doctors comment that Internet addiction, while it may be real, is too new of a condition and needs further study before being medically classified. There might be something to this: No one wants people being medicated or institutionalized if they aren't genuinely ill.

The "Manual of Mental Disorders" won't be published again until 2012, but an early draft will arrive for public comment in 2009. Meanwhile, mind docs say the problem is growing, now possibly affecting up to 10 percent of Internet users. Recent studies are surprising, indicating the problem is worst not among game-obsessed teens, but rather among middle-aged women who stay at home, constantly on the computer as a way of connecting to the outside world.

Is computer use (or computer downtime) causing a problem in your life? If so, you might be an addict. But you'll have to wait a few more years to find out for sure.

POLL: How many hours a day are you on the Net? 

Comments on Internet addictions: A real medical menace?

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  • 46 Posted by musicfreak200517 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:30PM EDT Report Abuse

    I agree with the doctor who made this observation I used to be an addict for the internet when i was sixteen I only went to school for four hours a day while my friends went for 8 so I had to find something to do cause i didnt want a job at the time so the internet was my option. I was always on myspace pretty much 24/7 for about 6 months until I went back to my public school and started hanging out with my friends again. I gained like 10 pounds within those 6 months and lost contact with all my friends

  • 47 Posted by bzwench on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:15PM EDT Report Abuse

    Guilty as charged ... can I do my therapy sessions online too? :)

  • 48 Posted by krayzekelly on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:53PM EDT Report Abuse

    Although I am not in the medical profession, I agree that there are many unrealized cases of computer addiction in the United States. Anything can become an addiction. I believe one of the worse inhibitors to humanities ability to function to their full capacity in this age will be an addiction to technology. This addiction will be far worse then any addiction to drugs, alcohol or cigarettes because the use of technology is something that is acceptable in our society. Our acceptance of the use of these things have a far wider range of possible addictive users ranging from the very young to the very old; and because technology is easily attainable, the overuse or addictive tendencies of them could remain unrecognizable as a mental illness and easy for people to blame on laziness.

  • 49 Posted by csantos86 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:31PM EDT Report Abuse

    My name is lyly and I am addicted to the internet.My husband get so mad cause all I do is be on the computer in till my eyes start to hurt and I get a headache so I just stop.. But I love the internet so much I can find out so many things that are interesting..Its like a myspace you just want to keep going......lol....Really is that a problem what are we gonna do?

  • 50 Posted by sith84x on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:25PM EDT Report Abuse

    Haha, this is a load of crap and anyone who believes in such things is obviously weak. It's sad that people have to make up a "mental disorder" to account for their lack of self control. Soon there will be no such thing as responsibility and accountability and you people who jump on this liberal bandwagon thinking everything you can't do for yourself is a product of mental illness are slowing down the progress of humanity.

  • 51 Posted by roomservicedesigns on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:51PM EDT Report Abuse

    Of course it should be listed as a mental illness or addition or something in the upcoming psychological disorder book. Any medical professional who thinks otherwise is merely burying his head in the sand, or doesn't want any one else getting credit for identifying this problem and initiating the process of getting it recognized. I have tried to find someone who specializes in this for my 17 year old son, and it has been challenging. Formally identifying this problem will help many of us out there who need to find treatment.

  • 53 Posted by shaefdawg on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:15PM EDT Report Abuse

    My name is ShaefDawg, and I am also an addict.

  • 54 Posted by daileyphoto on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:34PM EDT Report Abuse

    I'm addicted to using the internet to find out if I have an internet addiction problem...

  • 56 Posted by khangaroo_702 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:50PM EDT Report Abuse

    Ehh whatever our reasons, the internet has most of our attention.

  • 57 Posted by power.agent on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:17PM EDT Report Abuse

    Is it possible for Human beings not to be Addicted to something. I guess Prez.Bush, Sen Clinton, Sen Obama, Sen McCain, they are all addicted to Politics Oprah, Jerry Springer, Dr.Phil are all addicted to peoples life Drama, & Television. Tom (Creater of Myspace) is addicted to Social networking and web browsing. Dogs are addicted to Fire Hydrants and cats are addicted to trees The Moon is addicted to the earth and the earth is addicted to the sun..... Preachers are addicted to preaching, Teachers are addicted to teaching, Everything can be classified as an addiction. and Anything used in excess can be damaging. Because Cocaine & Marijuana is used in the medical field, but yet it can be abused and cause addiction. This whole hoopla about addiction is pointless......This Article however does reveal a hidden addiction.....The Addiction to One's own opinion.

  • 58 Posted by rob78iniraqyy on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:44PM EDT Report Abuse

    I only have one word for you... WOW!! (World of Warcraft)I have tried to quite this game six times now and was only able to stay away for 3 weeks at the longest time. For those who say inter-net addiction is not real; I could not disaggre with you any more. Just stating playing WOW and you will see. I hate that game!!!!!!

  • 60 Posted by neocloud55 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:35PM EDT Report Abuse

    i truly am an addict hahah i feel depressed soemtime when i cant get on the comp. its like another world that a lot of us go to excape. its not healthy for everyone of us =P. and yet... WE FEED THE ADICTION!

  • 61 Posted by disturbed26ja on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:44PM EDT Report Abuse

    HA! This is possibly the most rediculous thing i've ever heard!! What's next? SHEESH

  • 62 Posted by urbanlemur2003 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:28PM EDT Report Abuse

    Interesting theory. Just like taking drugs or alcohol away from an abuser elicits a drastic physical response, maybe this is the way to see if someone is addicted. The way to find out? Pull the plug on the computer and see how they react over time.

  • 63 Posted by y_4get on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:58PM EDT Report Abuse

    I am certain that I am an addict. I make chat friends just to make certain that I maintain emails companions. I send emails even to spam. I have two cell phones that I use and rarley make calls from them. I use unlimited text messaging. Helpppppp me Doc!

  • 64 Posted by isurfdaweb on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:25PM EDT Report Abuse

    The medical world has or will have a name for every "affliction" and "addiction" out there. I don't think the overuse of the Internet is an addiction. Just stop using it so much!

  • 65 Posted by lavenderteabunny on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:57PM EDT Report Abuse

    i am addicited to ebay-waiting for a cure!is there any help for me?

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