Pathological use of electronic media: case studies and commentary.
Since its formal introduction barely a dozen years ago, internet addiction (IA) has been both increasingly researched and much debated. The majority of studies have been conducted on large populations through internet surveys, with the most popular instrument for assessing IA being the Internet Addiction Test (IAT). However, both the large scale anonymous survey approach and the design and application of the IAT yield limited clinical insights. IA and the recently proposed more encompassing term of Pathological Use of Electronic Media (PUEM) require more exquisite understanding for essential and timely incorporation into DSM-5 nosology. This study presents four cases modifying the IAT for application within a structured individual interview. The findings are discussed in regard to both the clinical benefit of the procedure and considerations of PUEM for its role in DSM-5.
James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, USA. drmbowen@comcast.net
Matthew W
MW
Bowen
Marvin H
MH
Firestone
D000328:Adult; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007406:Interview, Psychological / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data