Is internet addiction a diagnosable disorder?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions about internet addiction. The short answer is “no, not currently”. However, this may change in the future. The DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition) is the primary reference for the diagnosis of psychological disorders. However, it should be noted that the DSM-IV was published in 1994 – a time when the internet was not nearly as accessible to the general population as it is now. Some mental health professionals believe that compulsive internet and computer use will be mentioned when the DSM-V is released in 2011 (or later). Others argue against this inclusion and do not believe that internet, computer, or excessive gaming behaviors are true addictions.
