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Psychiatric Services Study

Psychiatric Services conducted a study in which visitors to a virtual mental health clinic could discuss their ailments with 100 volunteer mental health professionals. Psychiatric Services hypothesized, internet users who suffered from existing mental health problems, specifically depression and symptoms of social impairment, had a higher risk of developing Internet Addiction Disorder. The study was conducted between May and October 2000. All visitors to the virtual clinic completed Kimberly Young's 'Internet Addiction Disorder' questionnaire a brief seven-item instrument that adapts DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling.

'A total of 251 clients completed the questionnaire. The mean±SD age of the clients was 25.04±6.19 years, with a range of 14 to 44 years. Most were female (67 percent) and single (84 percent). Most had an education beyond the college level (63 percent), and about a third (36 percent) were students. A majority (56 percent) reported that they had never visited a real mental health clinic.'

The results showed 29% suffered from anxiety, 24% Mood Disorder, 26% had a history of substance abuse. 15% met the criteria for Internet Addiction Disorder. 58% of those who met the criteria for the disorder had a history of substance abuse.

Causes and Effects

Kimberly Young states that prior research links Internet Addiction Disorder with existing mental health issues most commonly depression. Young states that the disorder has significant effects socially, psychologically and occupationally. Addicts were known to use the internet an average of 38 hours a week for nonacademic and non-employment purposes resulting in poor grades among students, discord among couples and reduced work performance. In an article titled 'Internet Over-Users' Psychological Profiles: A Behavior Sampling Analysis on Internet Addiction' a Korean study into the disorder, pathological use of the internet results in negative life consequences such as job loss, marriage breakdown, financial debt, and academic failure. 70% of internet users in Korea are reported to play online games, 18% of which are diagnosed as game addicts. The authors of the article conducted a study utilising Kimberly Young's questionnaire, the study showed that the majority of those who met the requirements of Internet Addiction Disorder suffered from interpersonal difficulties and stress, those addicted to online games specifically responded that they hoped to avoid reality.