User:Karim wadie123/sandbox

Internet addiction disorder|Internet addiction]] is defined as excessive use of the internet for nonessential reasons unrelated to occupational or academic requirements. Symptoms and characteristics of internet addiction may include a preoccupation with the internet and/or digital media, excessive time spent using the internet despite resultant distress in the individual, increase in the amount of internet use required to achieve the same desired emotional response, loss of control over one’s internet use habits, withdrawal symptoms, and continued problematic internet use despite negative consequences to one's work, social, academic, or personal life.

Studies conducted in the USA, Asia, and Europe have identified Internet addiction prevalence rates ranging in value from 1% to 18%, with the adolescent population having high rates of the disorder compared to other age groups. However, prevalence rates have been difficult to establish due to a lack of universally accepted diagnostic criteria, a lack of diagnostic instruments demonstrating cross-cultural validity and reliability, and existing controversy surrounding the validity of labelling problematic internet use as an addictive disorder.

People with Internet addiction are likely to have a comorbid psychiatric disorder. Comorbid diagnoses identified alongside internet addiction include affective mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.