'The internet is addictive'
2006-05-18 12:05
New York - For some, the internet it has become an addiction, adversely affecting their lives and their family's lives.
While not yet defined as a true addiction, many people are suffering the consequences of obsession with the online world, said Dr Diane M Wieland, who treats patients for computer addiction in Lansdale, in the American state of Pennsylvania.
For some people, the internet may promote addictive behaviours and pseudo-intimate interpersonal relationships, said Wieland in the Perspectives in Psychiatric Care journal.
"Such cyberspace contacts may result in cyber disorders such as virtual relationships that evolve into online marital infidelity (cybersex) or online sexually compulsive behaviours," she said.
"Obsession with and craving time on the computer results in neglect of real-life personal relationships to the point of divorce."
Wieland said the prevalence of internet addiction was "hard to gauge at the moment".
10% of internet users are addicted
Extrapolating from prevalence rates of other addictions, she thinks five to 10% of internet users will most likely experience addiction.
Signs and symptoms of internet addiction include a general disregard for health and appearance, sleep deprivation due to spending so much time online, and decreased physical activity and social interaction with others.
Dry eyes, carpal tunnel syndrome, and repetitive motion injuries of the hands and fingers are common.
Internet addicts may also get the "cyber shakes" when off line, exhibiting agitation and typing motions of the fingers when not at the computer.
'Cannot be addicted to a machine'
Many internet addicts have a history of depression, alcohol or drug abuse, and anxiety disorder, said Wieland.
"Denial is strong in internet addicts who claim they cannot be addicted to a machine," said Wieland.
The "one more minute" response to being asked to go offline is common and is similar to an alcoholic who says they will quit drinking after "one more drink", she said
Wieland said people who suspect they or a loved one might be an internet addict can find out by taking a screening test in Kimberly S Young's Caught in the Net - How to Recognise the Signs of Internet Addiction and a Winning Strategy for Recovery.
Cognitive behavioural therapies, often combined with psychotherapy and medications such as antidepressants are used to treat internet addiction.
Family and marital counselling and support groups are also helpful when online marital infidelity is involved, said Wieland.