By Andy Bloxham
Last Updated: 5:23PM BST 19/06/2008
Obsessive internet use is a public health problem which is so serious it should be officially recognised as a clinical disorder, according to a leading psychiatrist.
Sufferers spend unhealthy amounts of time playing online games, viewing pornography or emailing.
They suffer four symptoms: They forget to eat and sleep; they need more advanced technology or more hours online as they develop 'resistance' to the pleasure given by their current system; if they are deprived of their computer, they experience genuine withdrawal symptoms; And in common with other addictions, the victims also begin to have more arguments, to suffer fatigue, to get lower marks in tests and to feel isolated from society.
Early research into the subject found highly educated, socially awkward men were the most likely sufferers but more recent work suggests it is now more of a problem for middle-aged women who are spending hours at home on their computers.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2152972/Internet-addiction-is-a-%27clinical-disorder%27.html
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6 comments:
You're a victim. Sue Al Gore.
The week I was "on strike" was tough. It is an addiction. I'm still eating and sleeping and have actually met many new people since I began blogging. Maybe because we are local it is different? So,I have to disagree on the socially isolating remark. It's been positive so far... except that crack about middle-age. How dare they?
KK, you crack me up. Nothing wrong, BTW, with middle age. lol
I do know a 35 year old women that is defintely addicted. Her son constantly complains about her "being on" the computer "all the time".
The part that ticked me off was this: "Early research into the subject found highly educated, socially awkward men were the most likely sufferers"
I just have a Bachelor's degree.
I just knew I had a disorder!! but I'm sure not alone and I rather enjoy being 'disorderly' !! :)
I wrote an article for iCare recently about Internet addiction among teens. I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts on it: http://www.icarecoalition.org/icareArticlesDetail.asp?id=159
I also reprinted the article by Jerald J. Block, M.D., at http://www.covenanteyes.com/blog/2008/06/09/is-internet-addiction-real/
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