Citation

Nakayama H, Mihara S, Higuchi S. Psychiatry Clin. Neurosci. 2016; 71(7): 492-505.

Affiliation

National Hospital Organization Kurihama Medical and Addiction Center, Japan.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/pcn.12493

PMID

27987253

Abstract

Recently many young people have developed internet use disorders (IUDs) as a result of the proliferation of internet enabled devices, leading to serious health and social problems worldwide. On occasion, medical and educational institutions, governments and other groups, have sought to take preventive action or treat IUDs. In many cases, the preferred treatment for IUDs is to set recommendations for appropriate internet use. Reportedly, psychosocial therapies (including CBT, family therapy, compound therapy) for IUDs and pharmacotherapies (including antidepressant drugs and psychostimulants) for co-morbid psychiatric or development disorders have been effective at reducing the degree and symptoms of IUDs. In some countries, treatment camps have been developed for adolescents with IUDs, and preventive education (including lectures, group discussions) has been provided for general adolescents. Such efforts have been effective at reducing the average degree of IUD severity. Some future IUD risk factors (e.g. being male, suffering from ADHD, exhibiting deteriorating psychiatric symptoms) have begun to be identified. However, clinical studies, treatment and preventive actions are insufficient for treating IUDs and standard treatments and preventive systems have yet to be established. Educational and medical institutions, government, families, and others must take greater action and cooperate more effectively in order to treat or prevent IUDs.

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Language: en