| Internet Addiction Disorder |
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| CATEGORIES ABOUT INTERNET ADDICTION DISORDER | |
| internet culture | |
| miscellaneous psychiatric disorders | |
| pornography | |
| addiction | |
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PROPOSED 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: #Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
#Withdrawal, as manifested by either A or B below:
#Internet is often accessed more often or for longer periods of time than was intended. #There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control Internet use. #A great deal of time is spent in activities related to Internet use (for example, buying Internet books, trying out new WWW browsers, researching Internet vendors, organizing files of downloaded materials). #Important family, social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced in duration and/or frequency because of Internet use. #Internet use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical, family, social, occupational, or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by Internet use (for example, sleep deprivation, marital difficulties, lateness for early morning appointments, neglect of occupational duties, or feelings of abandonment in significant others). CRITICISMS It has been argued by Internet researchers, including Carol Potera and Jonathan Bishop , that there is no such thing as Internet Addiction. With the Internet being a social medium, it is believed that people cannot be addicted to the medium of the Internet, which is considered to be an environment, but aspects of that medium such as bidding on an online auction site. Also, there are significant differences between internet use and Pathological Gambling, which the IAD theory heavily parallels. The Internet is largely a pro-social, interactive, and informational-driven medium, while gambling is seen as a single, anti-social behavior that has very little social redeeming value. EXAMPLES
TREATMENT CLINIC In March 2005, a government clinic for Internet addiction was opened at the Beijing Military Region Central Hospital in People's Republic Of China . It treats patients, mostly youths between the age of 14 to 24, who suffer from anxiety, depression, and lack of sleep, often due to long hours on online video games and chats. Treatments include Internet " Cold Turkey ", counseling, physical activity, antidepressants, and enforcement of strict regular sleeping patterns. {Link without Title} REFERENCES
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