title: Hidden addiction: Television.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The most popular recreational pastime in the U.S. is television viewing. Some researchers have claimed that television may be addictive. We provide a review of the definition, etiology, prevention and treatment of the apparent phenomenon of television addiction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Selective review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We provide a description of television (TV) addiction, including its negative consequences, assessment and potential etiology, considering neurobiological, cognitive and social/cultural factors. Next, we provide information on its prevention and treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We suggest that television addiction may function similarly to substance abuse disorders but a great deal more research is needed.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Preventive Medicine and Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sussman
authors.affiliation: School of Communication, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Meghan B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Moran
keywords: addiction; prevention; television; treatment
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