A mental illness, expressed in the fact that the addict can not control the amount of time spent on the Internet, or has an urgent need to be online.

THERE ARE SEVERAL TYPES OF INTERNET ADDICTION:

• the need for frequent communication using Internet networks;
• the need for a continuous flow of information (the so-called "web surfing");
• gambling;
• cybersexual attraction (virtual sex).

INTERNET ADDICTION IS DEVELOPING FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:

• excessive touchiness;
• depressive state;
• low self-esteem;
• instability to stress;
• inability to resolve conflict situations;
• avoidance of problems;
• inability to build relationships with others;
• low adaptability in society.

The signs that characterize the existence of Internet addiction are classified as follows:

• unsuccessful actions to control, reduce or stop the use of the Internet;
• the addict spends more and more time wandering around the Internet;
• a feeling of anxiety, anger at someone who is trying to restrict access to network resources;
• using virtual communication as an option to avoid the difficulties of real life and improve mood.

If such symptoms are present in your life, then you need to urgently contact a specialist. It is easier to prevent the development of this disease than to deal with its consequences later.

This type of addiction is diagnosed by a narcologist. To determine the methods of combating the disease, the doctor talks with the addict, analyzing in the process of communication the sources of the appearance of such a disease.

The main components of the course of Internet addiction therapy include:

• taking psychopharmacological medications (sedatives, neuroleptics);
• psychotherapy.

If the disease is not diagnosed in a timely manner, methods of dealing with it have not been determined, complications may occur:

• weakening of memory;
• slowing down mental activity;
• sleep disorders;
• loss of vision;
• carpal tunnel syndrome;
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system (posture disorders, osteochondrosis);
• diseases of the heart and blood vessels (varicose veins, heart rhythm disturbance).

To reduce the risk of developing Internet addiction, we recommend monitoring the time spent in front of a computer, tablet or phone screen with Internet access, blocking children from accessing certain sites.