Abstract
Introduction:Problematic Usage of the Internet (PUI) refers to a broad and likely heterogeneous group of Internet-related conditions associated with behavioural disturbances and functional impairment.Methods:Within PUI several conditions have been reported, including Gaming Disorder, Shopping Addiction, Cyberchondria, Gambling Disorder, Cyberpornography Addiction and Cyberbullying. While increasing reports in the field try to define the epidemiologic and clinical boundaries of these conditions, the rapid and continuous evolution of Internet related behaviours as well as their problematic/pathological expressions are often difficult to diagnose, assess, approach with treatment interventions and follow-up.Results:In addition, some of the PUI-related conditions show characteristics of addiction to the Internet as a preferential tool to engage in specific behaviours, while some others exclusively manifest on the Internet, making it necessary to find distinct assessment and treatment pathways.Conclusion:The inclusion of Internet Gaming Disorder in Section III by the DSM-5 and the recognition of Gaming Disorder by the ICD-11 opened the way for a systematic clinical investigation of this and other PUI-related conditions, particularly in terms of preventive and therapeutic strategies. The present article is aimed at offering an updated clinical overview on the main expressions of PUI, focussing on the latest acquisitions in this evolving field.
Highlights
Problematic Usage of the Internet (PUI) refers to a broad and likely heterogeneous group of Internet-related conditions associated with behavioural disturbances and functional impairment
Results are presented after grouping PUI-related phenotypes in 6 major conditions: 1) Internet Gaming Disorder, 2) Online Gambling Disorder, 3) Cyberchondria, 4) Cyberpornography Addiction, 5) Cyberbullying and 6) Online Shopping Addiction
Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is a condition characterised by a maladaptive use of the Internet to play video games with negative consequences on individual functioning
Summary
Problematic Usage of the Internet (PUI) refers to a broad and likely heterogeneous group of Internet-related conditions associated with behavioural disturbances and functional impairment. Behavioural addiction has been defined as repeated behaviour leading to significant distress and consequent functional impairment. This pathological behaviour persists over a significant period of time and can not be limited by the patient [2]. The pioneering work of several researchers resulted in a set of proposed diagnostic criteria for Internet Addiction that resembled those formulated by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSMIV) for Pathological Gambling [4, 5]. It remains relevant to distinguish and clinically characterize different expressions of PUI that represent variants of conditions already recognized as problematic and/or included in the DSM and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) classification systems
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