I may soon be officially classified with a brain illness... According to the editorial of the latest issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry: Internet addiction -- including "excessive gaming, sexual pre-occupations and e-mail/text messaging" -- is a common compulsive-impulsive disorder that should be added to psychiatry's official guidebook of mental disorders.
According to Dr. Jerald Block, a psychiatrist at the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, similar to other addicts, users experience cravings, urges, withdrawal and tolerance, requiring more and better equipment and software, or more and more hours online. Relapse rates are high and some people may need psychoactive medications or hospitalization.
When you need help with your web addiction, there are already resources to help out:
Internet Addiction Official Mental Illness
Compulsive-Impulsive Disorder
Trend Themes
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Industry Implications
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