Psychiatric Disorders that Predict Internet Addiction
Researchers say that people with certain mental health conditions, like ADHD, depression, social phobia and others are at greater risk to develop a co-occurring addiction to the internet. Learn more about what types of disorders put a person at increased risk of internet addiction and about what can be done to prevent it for those most at risk.
Researchers in Taiwan followed 2293 junior high school students over a 2 year period to observe which of these students would develop internet addictions and to determine what risk factors increase a person’s susceptibility for the addiction.
Each student was tested by self report questionnaire to measure:
- Internet addiction
- Hostility
- Depression
- ADHD
- Social phobia
The research team then revisited with each student at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months into the experiment to retest for the conditions listed above.
The Results
Students who scored high on measures of ADHD and hostility were most likely to develop internet addiction over the course of the 2 year study – this was true for both male and female study subjects.
Depression and social phobia were also found to predict an increased likelihood of internet addiction.
Prevention
The researchers say that it’s important that parents identify and treat conditions like ADHD, hostility, depression and social phobia as early as possible to prevent an increased likelihood co-occurring internet addiction.1
Additional Factors that Can Increase a Person’s Susceptibility to Internet Addiction
In addition to mental health disorders, other life factors that can increase your risk of an internet addiction disorder include:
- You are lonely – having difficulty forming real-life relationships can increase the appeal of easy to engage in online interactions
- You Have mobility issues (not being able to easily leave the home to socialize)
- You are stuck at home – caregivers of very young or the elderly sometimes feel stuck in the house and escape to the internet to socialize
- You suffer from anxiety
- You suffer from excessive stress – you may use the internet for escapism
- You are addicted to alcohol, drugs or gambling – having any other form of addiction increases your risks of an internet addiction2
References
Editor’s picks
Email Addiction - An Impulsive Compulsive Disorder
The 2 hallmarks of an email addiction are an obsession with thoughts of checking for email and an inability to resist the urge to check. Email addicts might check for mail hundreds of times per day - and eventually think of little else.
MMPRPG's and the Dangers of Video Game Addiction
EverCrack - the name says it all, and it's not funny anymore for the hundreds of thousands that are so addicted to their virtual worlds that they can't stop playing.
Understanding Internet Addiction - Why It's So Addictive
Why is the internet addictive? Is it a real problem? How do you know if you (or somebody else) has the problem?
Internet Addiction: Warning Signs and Treatment Options
How do you know when a lot becomes too much? Five ways to identify an internet addiction and what to do if have one.
Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms Explained
Learn about common Adderall withdrawal symptoms, how to gauge the severity of your addiction and withdrawal and how to support a loved-one through the detox process.