Patrick J. Hart Psy.D.
Evaluation and Treatment
Computer Addiction and Online Game Addiction in Seattle

Cyber Addiction Problems: Compulsive Use of Internet Technology
The term "cyber addiction" has been cleverly coined to describe compulsive behavior problems related to computer use, console games and various forms of internet technology. Such "clean addictions" have been highlighted as reflecting non-chemical dependencies. A virtual wave of popularity has found game consoles like the X Box, PlayStation, and Nintendo Wii, to be common entertainment in American Households. This wave of virtual entertainment has revealed in its wake some alarming addictive consequence.

The "cyber addict" has emerged, and this finds compulsive gamers grafting themselves to game consoles as their life vitality virtually deteriorates - and washes away in cyber-reality. The pattern of life compromises parallels the pattern of symptoms found in those that suffer chemical dependency - occupations are squandered, marriages are destroyed, mental and behavioral health becomes disorganized - much like the symptoms associated with narcotic addiction. 

Internet Addiction Disorder: Computer Game Addict
Massively Multi Player Online Role Play Games (MMORPG):
 

Internet and Computer Addiction Disorder: Caught in the Net?
Internet Addictive Disorder:
Currently Diagnosed As: "Impulse Control Disorder: Not Otherwise Specified"

Internet addictive disorder anecdotally refers to a compulsive behavior problems that are very similar to pathological gambling, pornography obsession or compulsive "shopping addiction." Like other "process addictions," an inordinate and life defeating focus on internet related activities negatively affects other people - family, friends, employers or co-workers.

Spouses complain that their loved ones neglect them in favor of screen time. Parents bicker, couples separate, jobs are lost, health is diminished - all in the interest of more time at the screen. Like gamblers 'cyber addicts" compulsively keep investing time, money and vital life energy that might otherwise be better invested. Such techno-compulsive users may ultimately find that they are . . . stuck in the world wide web.

Internet Addictive Disorder or Cyber Addicition:

Computer related technology has led to increasing concerns about what is now being called "internet addictive disorder or cyber addiction." Massively multi player on-line role play games like Ever Quest and World of Warcraft are taking a toll on America's youth. Severe disruption is apparent in many peoples lives as a result of compulsive Internet related addictive and compulsive behavior.

Advancements in computer technology have allowed easy access to pornography and sexually explicit chat rooms. This has given rise to a host of behavioral and psychological problems associated with cyber technology. Role Play Games like Ever Quest and World of Warcraft are never ending excursions into a cyber reality that finds people compulsively engaging in internet games to the extent that they manifest symptoms that reflect the compromises found in people with chemical dependency. Internet addiction to pornography, chat room and role play games can lead to to severe disruption in social, occupational, and academic functioning. Physical and mental health is also compromised by the emergence of a host of medical and social problems that accompany compulsive internet use.

Hooked on the Web: Internet Computer Addiction Treatment Services

Internet Addiction & Autism Spectrum Disorders: Elaine A Duncan M.A.

Therapeutic Program for Compulsive Gaming and Self-Defeating Internet Behavior.

Video game addiction is such a new phenomenon that 12 Step programs do not yet exist for it except online. Nor are there in-patient treatment programs available. Both of these needs will, undoubtedly, be fulfilled one day. In the meantime, we have embraced the harm-reduction model for the treatment of this addiction. The treatment is tailored to the gamer and the situation. Individual, group, family, and couple's counseling are used as needed.

Dr. Hilarie Cash
The Reality Quest Institute: Research Therapy & Treatment
Compulsive Internet Use & Computer Game Addiction Counseling

What Parents Need to Know About Their Children's Gaming Habits.
Psychologist Hilirie Cash and Kim McDaniel are publishing a handbook for parents about gaming addiction and treatment for cyber addiction or game addicts.

Caught in the Net? - Signs of Trouble with Internet Addiction

Signs and Symptoms: Compulsive Gaming and Internet Addiction

Self Tests: Assess Compulsive Internet and Gaming Behaviors
Internet Addiction Test (IAI)
A test for online users to determine if they may be addicted to the Internet.

Quiz for Obsessive Online Gaming
A quiz for those who might suffer from online gaming addiction.

The Partner's Addiction Test
A test for spouses or partners of potential Internet addicts

Parent-Child Addiction Test
A test for spouses or partners of potential Internet addicts.

Quiz for Online Auction Addiction
A quiz for those who may suffer from an addiction to online auction houses

A Test for Online Gamblers
A quiz for those might suffer from compulsive online gambling

Cybersexual Addiction Test
A quiz to determine if you are addicted to cybersex or viewing cyberporn

CyberAddiction: Internet Addictive Disorder
A condition that has been called Internet Addictive Disorder or Cyber addiction:

Trapped on the Web? - A Result of Computerized Life
A quiz for those who might suffer from online gaming addiction.

Press Releases: Internet Addictive Disorder - Definition of the Problem
Caught in the Net: Internet Addiction is Acknowledged in Press Releases - Worldwide.

Educational Connections
Helping families assess appropriate educational options for struggling adolescents.

Seattle Computer Addiction and Internet Addiction Counseling
Evaluation for Teen Addiction to Online Role Play Games and Game Addiction
Massively Multi Player Online Role Play Games

News Release: Stanford School of Medicine

Video games activate reward regions of brain in men more than women.