What is Internet Addiction Disorder ?

The relationship between today's generation and the internet is inseparable. People nowadays, especially the youth are extremely addicted to the online world of games, social media, and surfing. In spite of Internet Addiction Disorder being perceived as a boon, excessive use of the same can lead to some people playing video games on the Internet, not for a few minutes but for hours or some just can't stop checking their Facebook or WhatsApp notification and many of them are addicted to online shopping as well. Beware if you're that "someone" who's addicted to the internet then you have the 'Internet Addiction Disorder or disorder. Let us understand what this disorder is all about.

What is Internet Addiction Disorder?

Internet addiction disorder is something that is spreading pretty similar to a forest fire on a global level. It is often also referred to as Problematic Internet Use or iDisorder. Under this disorder, people tend to use the internet excessively. The most troubling thing about this disorder is that you're entire life revolves and depends upon technology.

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Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD)includes many phenomena like physical impairment, functional impairment, and excessive dependence on the Internet. Under this disorder, people start getting more and more involved with technology rather than physical interactions or relationship as they feel free and comfortable in the online environment rather than a physical one.

There is an estimated 25% increase in the size of internet users across the world every three months. According to a survey, there are around 61% of people agree with them being addicted to the internet. An estimated 6% of people realize the fact that their internet addiction is creating problems in their relationships and believe that the internet itself is more addictive than any drug or caffeine.

Types of IAD

Internet addiction disorder can be broadly classified into three major categories, which are as follows:

• Email/Text Messaging:

The constant messaging freaks around us are surely addicted to the internet. As they love to read, write and reply to comments or blogs available on the internet. Bloggers have found solace on the internet with such a wide audience available for receiving responses.

• Excessive Gaming or Surfing

Games that are provided to users with free registration are one of the trending addictions on the internet. In fact, there are several types of community games in which many users can team up to play and earn money. They are so provoking that users are always occupied with them.

• Sexual preoccupations

Cybersex addiction deals with a compulsive viewing of inappropriate sexual videos, pictures or such files. Making use of excessive adult video or adult chat services is considered to be a pornographic addiction.

What Causes iDisorders?

Internet dependency disorder is an addiction that seems pleasurable to the ones who preserve it for themselves. It is the result of dopamine hormones in the human body which trigger and promotes the pleasurable experience, which in turn slowly converts into an addiction. This may happen under the following circumstances:

• Some researchers believe that people who suffer from interpersonal difficulties and stress tend to find their solace in the internet world. As they are able to express themselves more openly and can hope to avoid the harsh reality and live their imaginary life.
• Internet disorder has been found co-related with damaged self-esteem, which may cause Bulimia Nervosa, this is a form of Addiction that is caused by constantly comparing others to others on their social media feeds or timelines.
• Excessively internet addiction in the form of gaming could exceptionally impair a student's brain. Online gamers live in their gaming world only, these people are incapable of prioritizing their own life and setting up a particular goal through accomplishing it.

Internet Addiction Disorder Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of Internet Addiction Disorder include the following signs:

• Being defensive whenever asked to spend less time on the internet.
• Easily losing track of time while surfing the internet
• Sacrificing other necessary work for being online, chatting, or on online games
• Getting a feeling of Euphoria while and after using the internet
• Isolating oneself and becoming introverted only in order to use the internet
• Online gambling games are highly addictive and are the cause of material distortion in humans.

Some of the physical symptoms indicating internet addiction disorder would include:

• Poor personal hygiene
• Headaches
• Backache
• Neck pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Insomnia
• Weight gain or sudden weight loss
• Vision problems and dry eyes

Also, read Acupressure Points for Back Pain & Night Eating Syndrome.

iDisorder Treatment

Most of these treatments related to internet dependency disorder would deal with correcting their psychological state. There are several sorts of treatments that can be done in order to cope with internet addiction disorder. These treatments include:

1. Art therapy
2. Cognitive behavioral therapy
3. Behavior modification therapy
4. Recreation therapy
5. Dialectical behavioral therapy
6. Family or group therapy
7. Reality therapy.

Though researchers have revealed that internet dependency disorders are likely to be treated by providing medication for antidepressants and anti-anxiety. Yet these disorder requires a lot more research on their core reasons and mental functionality.

As its quite difficult to categorize them under an impulse control disorder or an obsessive-compulsive disorder or an addiction. The treatment of Internet Addiction Disorder and Internet Gaming Disorder is done through therapy which is designed to help the individual to learn, how to control their thoughts and feeling.

For more information and FREE personalized guidance, talk to Credihealth Medical Experts.