Diagnosing Computer/Internet Addiction

Maladaptive pattern of computer use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress as manifested itself in the following occurring over the same 12 month period:

1. Non-essential computer use more than 25 hours per week and
2. 4 or more of the following symptoms related to computer use:
1. Irritability, anxiety and depressive symptoms when unable to use the computer
2. Persistent desire or attempts to cut down or limit computer use by self or others
3. Important social, academic, occupational or recreational activities are given up or reduced to accommodate computer use
4. Significant time spent thinking about computer activities when not using the computer or experiencing cravings for computer use
5. Lying to others about computer use or secretive use
      f. Hygiene or physical health problems related to excess use (i.e. declining personal hygiene, weight gain and repetitive stress injuries such as tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome)

6. Inadequate sleep as a result of excess and late night computer use
7. School absences or employment sick days related to computer excesses
8. Declining academic or occupational performance
9. Relationship problems and interpersonal conflict over computer excesses

Computer/Video Gaming Abuse Diagnosis (proposed)

1. Maladaptive pattern of computer use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress as manifested by one (or more) of following occurring within a 6 month period:
      a. Recurrent non-essential computer use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home (e.g. repeated absences or poor work performance related to excess gaming; neglect of children or household)
      b. Continued non-essential computer use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused by or exacerbated by the effects of excess gaming (e.g. arguments with spouse or parents about excess use and consequences of such excesses)

B. The symptoms have never met the criteria for Dependence.

Computer/Internet Dependence Diagnosis (proposed)

Computer/Internet addiction is not a recognized mental health condition in the United States and consequently many clinicians are skeptical about its very existence. This skepticism is understandable given that professional psychology is guided by science and there is very little research to support its classification as a mental illness. Although there is scant research support, parents and significant others of individuals experiencing serious problematic computer excesses seldom need convincing. Since a proper diagnosis helps guide treatment, we propose a set of diagnostic criteria similar to other addictive behaviors. It differs from others in that it actually factors in the amount of time engaged in non-essential computer activites.

Computer Addiction Treatment Program

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