In general, the Internet is a highly promoted technological tool making detection and diagnosis of addiction difficult. Therefore, it is essential that the skilled clinician understand the characteristics which differentiate normal from pathological Internet use.
Proper diagnosis is often complicated by the fact that there is currently no accepted set of criteria for addiction much less Internet addiction listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1995). Of all the diagnoses referenced in the DSM-IV, Pathological Gambling was viewed as most akin to the pathological nature of Internet use. By using Pathological Gambling as a model, Internet addiction can be defined as an impulse-control disorder which does not involve an intoxicant. Therefore, Young (1996) developed a brief eight-item questionnaire which modified criteria for pathological gambling to provide a screening instrument for addictive Internet use:
1. Do you feel preoccupied with the Internet (think about previous on-line activity or anticipate next on-line session)?
2. Do you feel the need to use the Internet with increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction?
3. Have you repeatedly made unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop Internet use?
4. Do you feel restless, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop Internet use?
5. Do you stay on-line longer than originally intended?
6. Have you jeopardized or risked the loss of significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of the Internet?
7. Have you lied to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet?
8. Do you uses the Internet as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression)?
Patients were considered "addicted" when answering "yes" to five (or more) of the questions and when their behavior could not be better accounted for by a Manic Episode. Young (1996) stated that the cut off score of "five" was consistent with the number of criteria used for Pathological Gambling and was seen as an adequate number of criteria to differentiate normal from pathological addictive Internet use.
re - http://www.netaddiction.com/articles/symptoms.htm
I got 4.... jeez I'm nearly addicted. 😉
Originally posted by mikelomIs #1 an ok thing to do - "think about previous on-line activity or anticipate next on-line session." - as we are here to play chess? 😕
In general, the Internet is a highly promoted technological tool making detection and diagnosis of addiction difficult. Therefore, it is essential that the skilled clinician understand the characteristics which differentiate normal from pathological Internet use.
Proper diagnosis is often complicated by the fact that there is currently no accepted set of ...[text shortened]... ://www.netaddiction.com/articles/symptoms.htm
I got 4.... jeez I'm nearly addicted. 😉
Originally posted by mikelomYes and no.
In general, the Internet is a highly promoted technological tool making detection and diagnosis of addiction difficult. Therefore, it is essential that the skilled clinician understand the characteristics which differentiate normal from pathological Internet use.
Proper diagnosis is often complicated by the fact that there is currently no accepted set of ...[text shortened]... ://www.netaddiction.com/articles/symptoms.htm
I got 4.... jeez I'm nearly addicted. 😉
Yes, the test is quite accurate of a non-toxic addiction.
No, the test doesn't take into account the internet's substitution of every-day communication.
Originally posted by mikelom1. no. but thinking about a 'next session' would require the first one to end first? what a silly notion.
In general, the Internet is a highly promoted technological tool making detection and diagnosis of addiction difficult. Therefore, it is essential that the skilled clinician understand the characteristics which differentiate normal from pathological Internet use.
Proper diagnosis is often complicated by the fact that there is currently no accepted set of ://www.netaddiction.com/articles/symptoms.htm
I got 4.... jeez I'm nearly addicted. 😉
2. no. all the time is enough for me.
3. no. why?
4. why would I try to cut internet use? that's just stupid.
5. no. I never have an intention to log off.
6. no. but I've had all of those for exercising too much.
7. no. why the hell would I lie about stuff I want to do?
8. yes, I've escaped from boredom, heavy drinking and even depression. success!
that Young guy is full of crap. any one of these questions could be asked about breathing, and get a diagnosis of 'manic episode'.