Table 1.

Internet addiction diagnostic criteria (33).

A. Symptom criterion

All the following must be present

1. Withdrawal, as manifested by a dysphoric mood, anxiety, irritability, and boredom after several days without Internet activity

2. Preoccupation with the Internet (thinks about previous online activity or anticipates next online session)

At least one (or more) of the following

3. Tolerance, marked increase in Internet use required to achieve satisfaction

4. Persistent desire and/or unsuccessful attempts to control, cut back, or discontinue Internet use

5. Continued excessive use of Internet despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem likely to have been caused or exacerbated by Internet use

6. Loss of interests, previous hobbies, entertainment as a direct result of, and with the exception of, Internet use

7. Uses the Internet to escape or relieve a dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, and anxiety)

B. Exclusion criterion

Excessive Internet use is not better accounted for by psychotic disorders or bipolar I disorder

C. Clinically significant impairment criterion

Functional impairments (reduced social, academic, and working ability), including loss of a significant relationship, job, educational, or career opportunities

D. Course criterion

Duration of Internet addiction must have lasted for an excess of 3 months, with at least 6 h of Internet usage (non-business/non-academic) per day