Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) Diagnostic Criteria

Dr. Ivan Goldberg developed a list of diagnostic criteria for Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD). However, he finds it naming as a disorder is a fallacy. The criteria are as follows:-
Definition: IAD can be defined as Internet usage in maladaptive pattern which can lead to clinically significant mutilation or distress as marked by three or more of the following factors, occurring within any particular 12 months of period.

(I) Tolerance: This can be defined as a remarkably heavy amount of Internet usage in order to attain satisfaction. In addition, it can also be defined as a strikingly reduced effect with prolonged use of the similar quantity of time over Internet.

(II) Withdrawal: Withdrawal is observed after prolonged use of Internet. The withdrawal symptoms may include one or more of the followings: psychomotor agitation, anxiety, obsessive thinking in relation to Internet, fantasizing about Internet, voluntary or involuntary typing of keyboard which seems that the user is still using the Internet, use of service somehow similar to the use of Internet in order to relieve withdrawal symptoms.

(III) Prolonged Usage: Internet Addicts tend to use Internet more than actually needed.

(IV) Persistent Desire: A persistent desire or unsuccessful control over using Internet is one of the important characteristics of Internet Addiction.

(V) Reduced Social Activities: A sharp decline in important social activities including occupational and recreational activities is noticed due to long hours of internet usage.

(VI) Strong Urge to Continue: Despite knowing the fact that excess Internet usage leads to recurrent physical, social, psychological, occupational or recreational problem, Internet addicts feel a strong urge to continue their Internet usage, mostly for even more longer periods of time, which may eventually cause different psycho-physiological disorders like sleep deprivation, marital problems, showing negligence over occupational and familial responsibilities, feeling of detachment for significant others.