Internet addictions: A real medical menace?

[almaty 19]

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.

[Ban Hammer 13,352]

ironic that vj's most prolific poster posts this story

[Nessa 23]

u junkies!

[Ban Hammer 13,352]

u junkies!

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I'm in denial. What's the next stage?

[Ban Hammer 13,352]

I'm in denial. What's the next stage?

add a custom member title and accumulate hearts.

[almaty 19]

I'm in denial. What's the next stage?

take you hand off your blackberry (crackberry) and put your arm around your wife..that is the start and then admit you are powerless and go drink a beer...no charge..dr. dean

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I don't have a crackberry but it's on my list of things to buy!

[almaty 19]

you addicted #######.(tough love in action)...go to a meeting...do a crossword puzzle (not on-line)....walk ..(i know, i am reaching now)...and talk to your wife..she has allot of interesting stories about the school kids..

note: drink heavy in re. to the kids stories

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Stories about school kids..... that's why I just ordered her a GPS so she can spend more time driving around and discovering new places and less time telling me stories!!! I hate those stories

[almaty 19]

I knew you were no fan of kids stories.....or of walking

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Those are some depressing stories!

Walking sucks.

[almaty 19]

lol..i get paid to hear those stories..i guess, i am a kid stories listener #######