Could You Be Suffering From Internet-use Disorder?

As you are reading this on the internet, it’s pretty safe to assume that you spend a certain amount of time online. In today’s digital age it is normal to spend a decent length of time each day online, but how much is too much?

A recent edition of a psychiatric diagnostic manual has now been updated to include Internet-Use Disorder as a recognised mental health condition which is recommended for further study. Initial research seems to suggest that this may be similar to other types of addictive behaviour, such as smoking and alcohol dependency. The big question is whether or not internet addiction can truly be called a disorder in its own right, or whether it is merely a symptom of another mental health condition such as anxiety or depression.

This manual is called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and is used by many clinicians to help them care effectively for their patients’ wellbeing by accurately diagnosing a condition.

The inclusion of internet-use as an addiction has been widely debated, with there being a gulf between those who believe that it is a genuine condition that affects the wellness of millions of people across the world, and some sticking steadfastly to the belief that is not a disorder in its own right, just another symptomatic type of addictive behaviour.

Leading scientists who have conducted research into this area of behaviour do believe that it is a genuine syndrome. Studies even show that those who may be ‘addicted’ to the internet even exhibit structural changes in their brains, possibly as a result of their addiction, while another study shows a specific gene mutation which may be held accountable for addictive behaviour. Research also seems to show that women are more likely to become addicted to internet-use than men. Symptoms are thought to include excessive use of the internet; lack of sense of time while using the internet; neglecting basic drives while on the internet; and feeling withdrawn, depressed or angry when the internet is not accessible.