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Psychiatric features of individuals with problematic internet use
N A Shapira1, T D Goldsmith, P E Keck
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100256, Gainesville, FL 32610-0256, USA.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|March 10, 2000
Summary
Problematic internet use is often linked to impulse control disorders and other psychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder. This study highlights the need for further research into these associations.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Problematic internet use is recognized in literature as 'internet addiction' or 'pathological internet use'.
- Previous studies lacked standardized psychiatric evaluations for behavioral characteristics, psychiatric comorbidity, or family history.
- This research addresses the gap in understanding the clinical profile of individuals with problematic internet use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify behavioral characteristics, psychiatric comorbidities, and family psychiatric history in individuals with problematic internet use.
- To utilize face-to-face standardized psychiatric evaluations for a comprehensive assessment.
- To explore the diagnostic criteria and associated conditions of problematic internet use.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 20 individuals with problematic internet use, defined by uncontrollable, distressing, time-consuming use causing functional difficulties.
- Utilized semistructured interviews, the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (SCID-IV), family psychiatric history assessment, and a modified Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS).
- Ensured problematic internet use was not solely present during hypomanic or manic symptoms.
Main Results:
- All subjects (100%) met DSM-IV criteria for an impulse control disorder (ICD) not otherwise specified (NOS).
- All 20 subjects had at least one lifetime DSM-IV Axis I diagnosis alongside problematic internet use (average of 5.1 diagnoses).
- A significant majority (70%) had a lifetime diagnosis of bipolar disorder, with 12 having bipolar I disorder.
Conclusions:
- Problematic internet use may be associated with significant subjective distress and functional impairment.
- Findings suggest a strong link between problematic internet use and Axis I psychiatric disorders, particularly impulse control and bipolar disorders.
- Methodological limitations include a small sample size, unblinded evaluations, and absence of a control group, warranting further investigation.