Diagnostic criteria for internet addiction

Diagnostic criteria for internet addiction

• Do you feel preoccupied with the internet?
• Do you feel the need to use the internet with increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction?
• Have you repeatedly made unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop internet use?
• Do you feel restless, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop internet use?
• Do you stay online longer than intended?
• Have you jeopardized or risked the loss of a significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of the internet?
• Have you lied to family members, a therapist or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the internet?
• Do you use the internet as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a distressed mood (eg feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety and depression)?

Participants answering yes to questions 1 to 5 and at least one more answer were classed as suffering from Internet Addiction Disorder

Source: Young’s Diagnostic Questionnaire for Internet Addiction adapted by Beard and Wolf