Cyber-junkies a growing problem as US specialists treat 'internet addicts'

Doctors need to learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of internet addiction. according to US researchers.

Writing in the Student BMJ this month, Kimberly Young from the Centre for On-line Addiction in Pittsburgh says that internet users could be addicted if they can answer 'yes' to five or more questions set by the centre. The questions on the list include:

* Do you feel preoccupied with the internet?
* Do you feel the need to use the internet with increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction?
* Have you repeatedly made unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop internet use?
* Do you stay online longer than originally intended?

Young states that internet addiction is a broad term that can include cybersexual addiction, cyber-relationship addiction and 'net compulsions' such as online gambling or shopping.

The centre reports that the anonymity of the net is partly to blame as this can serve to encourage deviant, deceptive and even criminal online acts such as the development of aggressive online personas.

Young has called for further research on the issue.

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