Treatment of Aggressive Behavior in Computer Addicts

Abstract

Introduction there is a worldwide rapid growth of computer addiction (CA) causing many social problems due to the high level of aggressive behavior in addicts. Objectives to study the aggressive behavior in people with CA. Aims to develop effective treatment and prevention programs of aggressive behavior in computer addicts. Methods The inclusion criterion was the pathological inclination to computer use, on the basis of F63.8 (ICD-10). 49 patients were included (24 only with CA – group A and 25 with CA and another psychiatric disorder – group B). The age range was 12-35 years (mean age = 20,2 ± 3,1 yrs). The male to female ratio was 9:1. The clinical, psychological, laboratory and mathematical methods were used. Results Aggression in 93.8% addicts occurred to people limiting their access to computer. The types of aggressions found were: verbal (93,8%), physical (48,9%), direct (93,8%), indirect (20,4%), external (79,6%), auto-aggression (20,4%). In psychological Liri test, the mean score of aggression was 6,0 ± 2,3, i.e. moderate level. The aggression in group A was more severe than that in group B. The laboratory method showed that all patients had decreased level of dopamine (625,29±5,42 micromol/L) in urine, deficit of noradrenaline (83,11±1,01 nmol/day) in urine; and big amount of free serotonin (0,16± 0,002 micromol/L) in blood. Both psychopharmacotherapy and psychotherapy were used for their treatment. Conclusions computer addicts have a high level of aggressive behavior. Simultaneous use of psychotherapy and psychopharmacotherapy gives noticeable results. The preventive programs in this field are developed.