Internet Addiction

[psydoc@netcom.com (Ivan Goldberg)]

As the incidence and prevalence of Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) has 
been increasing exponentially, a support group, The Internet Addiction 
Support Group  (IASG) has been established.  Below are the official 
criteria for the diagnosis of IAD and subscription information for the IASG.
                
         Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) - Diagnostic Criteria
                
A maladaptive pattern of Internet use, leading to clinically significant
impairment or distress as manifested by three (or more) of the following,
occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:
                
(I) tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
                
        (A) A need for markedly increased amounts of time
            on Internet to achieve satisfaction
                
        (B) markedly diminished effect with continued use
            of the same amount of time on Internet
                
(II) withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following
                
        (A) the characteristic withdrawal syndrome
                
                (1) Cessation of (or reduction) in Internet use
                     that has been heavy and prolonged.
                
                (2) Two (or more) of the following, developing within
                    several days to a month after Criterion 1:
                
                        (a) psychomotor agitation
                        (b) anxiety
                        (c) obsessive thinking about what is happening
                            on Internet
                        (d) fantasies or dreams about Internet
                        (e) voluntary or involuntary typing movements
                            of the fingers
                
                (3) The symptoms in Criterion 2 cause distress or
                    impairment in social, occupational or another 
                    important area of functioning
                
        (B) Use of Internet or a similar on-line service is engaged in
            to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
                
(III) Internet is often accessed more often or for longer periods of time
      than was intended
                
(IV) There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down
     or control Internet use
                
(V) A great deal of time is spent in activities related to Internet
    use (e.g., buying Internet books, trying out new WWW browsers, 
    researching Internet vendors, organizing files of downloaded materials.)
                
(VI) Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are
     given up or reduced because of Internet use.
                
(VII) Internet use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent
      or recurrent physical, social, occupational, or psychological 
      problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by 
      Internet use (sleep deprivation, marital difficulties, lateness for
      early morning  appointments, neglect of occupational duties, or 
      feelings of abandonment in significant others)
                
Subscribe to the Internet Addiction Support Group by e-mail:
                
                Address: listserv@netcom.com
                Subject:  (leave blank)
                Message: Subscribe i-a-s-g
- ivan -
 

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