Risk factors!

• Internet Addiction Discussion by Tatiana Matveeva (Inity), 10/15/98
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    • bonafied diagnosis by John, 10/20/98
      
      

I agree with you that it can't be formally diagnosed. Its interesting, these days (Managed Care era), unless an insurer is willing to pay for the treatment of a problem, it can't be considered a "formal" diagnosis.

At any rate, aside from diagnostic and payment dilemmas, I further beleive that there are certain risk factors contributing to the informal diagnosis (for lack of a better word) of internet addiction.

I should clearify, that along with what I had previously mentioned in regards to WHY it could be addictive, it is important to realize that the "real-time interactive" nature of the net also contributes to its addictive power. I have a hard time picturing someone addicted to automobile classifieds or other "still" information on the net. Its the chat lines that are habit forming. Which brings me to the risk factors.

I think professionals like us (psychiatrists and psychologists), will easily assess the personality or lifestyle of such an addict (to the net). They would be...lonely,...have a lot of free time, and have a pattern of failed relationships. Very often (but not always probably) they will have low self-esteem (hiding behind the security of the computer without being seen), and only when the other party has assured them that "...I will still like you...", they decide to send a pic, or even meet.

On a lighter note, its probably much less demanding to meet people on the net...you can drink and not worry about driving home,...you don't have to take a shower before going out,....no need to apply make-up,...no need to dress up.

In summary, an internet addict will be the opposite of an attractive, well adjusted (desired by many, or a happy relationship), busy/successful (less time to be on the chat lines), emotionally and otherwise secure, and overall happy with their life kinda of a person. Risk factors are lonliness, low self-esteem, unattractive appearance, unemployed/part-timers, and a pattern of failing relationships.

Who knows, maybe it will be included in DSM-VII !!! But I guess many are still working on "Explosive Personality Disorder" before its is the internet's turn !!!

Thanks for the replys John.

• re: risk factors by John, 10/21/98