Internet Addiction Disorder: Overview and Controversies

Problematic Internet use (PIU) or Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) is characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges, or behaviors regarding computer use and Internet access that lead to impairment or distress. Surveys in the United States and Europe have indicated prevalence of between 1.5% and 8.2%, with varying diagnostic methods between countries. Cross-sectional studies on samples of patients report high comorbidity of Internet addiction with psychiatric disorders. Several factors are predictive of problematic Internet use, including personality traits, parenting and familial factors, alcohol use, and social anxiety. This chapter describes IAD in terms of proposed diagnostic criteria and reviews existing literature, treatment recommendations, and controversies.