:JUNKFOOD SCIENCE is asking whether I suffer from IAD or not. Well... And seems I am under the threat to be labeled with the newest mental disorder that is called: Internet Addiction Disorder.

According to the American Journal of Psychiatry excessive Internet and computer usage may cause to the mental disease, that definitely, does not sound too lovely. What components make scientists think that it is really disorder?

The American Journal of Psychiatry figures out the following:
1) excessive use, often associated with a loss of sense of time or a neglect of basic drives,
2) withdrawal, including feelings of anger, tension, and/or depression when the computer is inaccessible,
3) tolerance, including the need for better computer equipment, more software, or more hours of use,
4) negative repercussions, including arguments, lying, poor achievement, social isolation, and fatigue

According to Director of Addiction Medicine at Beijing Military Region Central Hospital, Tao Ran, Ph.D., reported that 13.7% , about 10 million of Chinese adolescent Internet users meet IAD. In 2007 China restricted computer game use, and allows only 3 hours game use a day.

The research results and the threats are enhanced by facts - 10 cardiopulmonary-related deaths in Internet cafés, a game-related murder.

The highest rate is fixed in Korean. High school students spend an average 23 hours a week on gaming and another 1.2 million students are at risk for addiction.

China is no exception and the rate of Internet addiction might increase. According to Dr. Block the data is incomplete for the United States as unlike in Asia where Internet cafés are prevalent, games and virtual sex in the United States are accessed from home.
The risks the disorder causes are very important to identify as far as it is resistant to the treatment.

References:
http://junkfoodscience.blogspot.com/2008/03/blogging-disease.html
http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/165/3/306
http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2008032464948