Discussion of Internet Addiction as Mental Illness Resurfaces

Lone Writer writes "The editorial section of the American Journal of Psychiatry for March offers the opinion that Internet addiction is a 'compulsive-impulsive' disorder, and should be added to the official guidebook of disorders. The editorial characterizes net addiction as including 'excessive gaming, [online] sexual pre-occupations and e-mail/text messaging'. From the article: 'Like other addicts, users experience cravings, urges, withdrawal and tolerance, requiring more and better equipment and software, or more and more hours online, according to Dr. Jerald Block, a psychiatrist at the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland. Dr. Block says people can lose all track of time or neglect "basic drives," like eating or sleeping. Relapse rates are high, he writes, and some people may need psychoactive medications or hospitalization."

Comments

Maybe

[a whoabot]

I definitely reject eating when I'm doing stuff on the computer, but not sleeping.

Re:Maybe

[abe ferlman]

Lol like I'd forget to eat and pass up that stamina/spirit buff? Preposterous. /sleep is just for rp tho.

What kind of drugs do they give out for this?

[hilather]

I display all the symptoms, but I'm cool with that, I just want to score some drugs.

I'll step away from the computer

[sleeponthemic]

When Dr. Jerald Block prescribes me some pussy.

Re:I'll step away from the computer

[gnick]

When Dr. Jerald Block prescribes me some pussy. Actually, gender reassignment may work. From what I hear, there are no girls on the internet.

Re:Nonsense

[NewYorkCountryLawyer]

I personally think anything over 22 hours a day is excessive.

Fortunately I have things in perspective.

Re:Who defines "excessive?"

[pandrijeczko]

I seem to recall the late and great American comedian Bill Hicks defining "excessive masturbation" as being the point when only "air comes out".

I don't know if that helps with your definition.