Internet addiction classed as mental disorder
By Guy Dixon
20 March 2008 07:13AM
http://www.itnews.com.au/News/72398,internet-addiction-classed-as-mental-disorder.aspx
Excessive gaming and email/text messaging should be added to psychiatry's official guidebook of mental disorders,
according to an article in this month's American Journal of Psychiatry..
Dr Jerald J Block, the article's author, outlined four distinct symptoms displayed by sufferers.
Withdrawal and an associated sense of anger or depression when users cannot reach a computer,
the constant need for better equipment and the feeling of social isolation and fatigue are all signs of technology-related mental disorders.
"Attempts to measure the phenomenon are clouded by shame, denial and minimisation," said Dr Block.
The conditions are difficult to treat because internet addiction is " resistant to treatment, entails significant risks and has high relapse rates".
Dr Block said that the problem is most acute in South Korea where internet addiction is one of the country's "most serious public health issues".
"Using data from 2006, the South Korean government estimates that approximately 210,000 South Korean children
are afflicted and require treatment, " said Dr Block.
South Korea set up a network of 140 'tough love' rehabilitation centres in November 2006
in a bid to curb the growth of internet addiction among the country's teenaged population.
Copyright © 2008 vnunet.com
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read more blogs!
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cutecarrie6969
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Mar 19 @ 6:31PM
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This was actually mentioned briefly in my psychology textbook. The real deal. Right up there with gambling addiction and pyromania 
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sundance64
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Mar 19 @ 6:41PM
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Hi...I'm Sunny and I'm an internet addict.
There are actually meetings and self-help groups for IA's...
...on the internet! 
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BlueEyes708
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Mar 19 @ 6:47PM
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I knew I'd be diagnosed with some kind a addiction sometime in my life. It wasn't chocolate, cigarettes, coke a cola, or Coke. I'm addicted to the internet.
Thanks for making that clear, now, where do you go for help
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ValentineGirl214
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Mar 19 @ 6:56PM
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Yes, I am ADDICTED to the Internet.
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GSpotGina
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Mar 19 @ 7:13PM
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Imadickted. Big time.
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sugarnspice005
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Mar 19 @ 7:20PM
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Yep, I'm addicted...I need help..when and where's the meeting. 
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gwenafar
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Mar 19 @ 7:44PM
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my addiction comes and goes 
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slohand_47
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Mar 19 @ 8:33PM
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I'm not addicted. I can quit any time I want to.
I just DON'T want to.
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soft_touch938
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Mar 20 @ 1:31AM
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I totally agree! I'm only somewhat addicted now but there was a time when I was totally addicted....slept on the couch to be closer to my computer and could not stay away from home for long because I needed to get back and check my mail.
It was a personal matter that broke that addiction....pretty much just hit rock bottom. Now when I feel I can't leave my computer...that's when I do. I set limits and pretty much stick to them.
Good blog Asnet.... 
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canuhelpme258
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Mar 20 @ 2:16AM
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Can I join a support group for this? Maybe an online chapter?
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blackskyline4
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Mar 20 @ 2:28AM
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Hi i'm BlackSkyline and i'm addicted to internet... i'm online 16+ hours a day... posting witty and sometimes offensive comments on peoples blogs and i think they are funny.
i may or may not have a problem that i should get over...
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