Internet Addiction Disorder: What You Should Know

Many of us could probably do with reducing the amount of time we spend online. For some people, however, using the internet can become a compulsion and a genuine problem.

It can be difficult to judge when ‘normal’ internet use starts to become excessive or harmful. In today’s digital age, so many aspects of our lives are now online – from communications to work, shopping and banking. It can be particularly difficult for families with children and young people who are considered ‘digital natives’.

When people use the internet compulsively, for long periods and to the point where other areas of their lives are suffering, this could potentially be termed a kind of internet addiction disorder.

What is Internet Addiction Disorder?

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines addiction as a “treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences”.  It adds that people with addiction “use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences”.

The relevant point here is that behaviours as well as substances can be considered addictive. The National UK Research Network for Behavioural Addictions (NUK-BA) was established to promote understanding, research and treatments for behavioural addictions. Until recently, only gambling disorder was officially recognised as a behavioural addiction disorder in the UK.

However, hundreds of people- including children and young people – have now been treated by the NHS National Centre for Gaming Disorders.

The Centre’s founder and director Professor Henrietta Bowden-Jones said: “Gaming disorders can have a significant impact on children and their family to the extent it can take over and stop them from living their normal daily life. From avoiding school or work, engaging in violence, to family breakdowns, the harms to those suffering can be significant.”

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is also described in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental disorders.

Currently, the broader definition of Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) is not listed as a distinctive condition by the DSM-5 or other authorities including the World Health Organization (WHO) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). The idea that problematic internet use can meet the criteria of an addiction has been proposed since the 1990s, however, and many professionals have supported this stance.

While there is no universal or standardised medical definition of Internet Addiction Disorder, problematic internet use is widely recognised and many of the aspects – such as compulsive, excessive use that causes harm or interferes with daily life – are in line with other behavioural addictions.

Signs and Symptoms of Internet Addiction

The most obvious sign of an internet addiction is an excessive and compulsive use of the internet. This might not mean overall internet use – many people with problematic internet use are addicted to a particular aspect and a study published in the Neuropsychiatry journal identified five distinct areas:

• Cybersexual addiction – involving excessive viewing, downloading and trading online pornography.
• Cyber-relational addiction – people become overly involved in online relationships, including in chatrooms and on social media, which can become more important than real life ones.
• Information overload – involving excessive web surfing and information and database search.
• Computer addiction – individuals are overly engaged with pre-programmed games.

Psychologist Dr. Kimberly Young was one of the first to attempt to define and measure internet addiction way back in the 1990s. She developed an Internet Addiction Test that was intended to measure the presence and severity of Internet and technology dependency among adults.

It asked the following questions:

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

If the answers to some or all questions tend to be yes, it is likely to indicate an internet addiction.

The Effects of Internet Addiction on Mental and Physical Health

As with other behavioural addictions, internet addiction can have a range of negative effects. These could include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Insomnia/disrupted sleep patterns
• Weight gain/ loss – affected diet
• Carpal tunnel syndrome/repetitive strain injury from typing/scrolling/gaming
• Vision problems from screens
• Aches, pains, joint and musculature problems from sitting with poor posture

Internet addiction can also take a toll on relationships, work, school and other aspects of everyday life.

Causes and Risk Factors

Internet addiction goes beyond what might be considered heavy but relatively normal internet use. It can have numerous causes including underlying mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, neurotic personality traits and social issues such as loneliness and isolation. Some studies suggest that the condition is more common in young single males, although it can affect people of all demographic groups.

Treatment and Strategies for Overcoming Internet Addiction

In common with other behavioural addictions, internet addiction can be successfully treated. The most effective treatment for this sort of addiction involves a range of talking therapies, such as family therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is effective at helping you to change the way you think and behave. Support groups and support from family and friends can also be extremely valuable.

Get Help for Internet Addiction

If you believe you or a loved one may be experiencing internet addiction, get in touch with Addiction Advocates today for confidential help and advice with no obligation.