Aims of the Hellenic Association for the Study of Internet Addiction Disorder
Internet addiction is a wide term that includes a spectrum of behaviors and impulse control problems, all sharing Internet use as a common denominator. The common element is that the person's behavior disrupts his everyday life and provokes psychic stress to his social environment. To put it in a nutshell Internet addiction refers to when the Internet is assigned higher significance and priority i our life that do our friends, family and work obligations, dominates our daily routine and it is an element without which we cannot imagine our life.
We must stress that Internet addiction is not a recognized psychiatric disorder in the taxonomy of psychic disease. In February 10th, 2010 Internet addiction was put forward for inclusion in the future revision of DSM-V, scheduled to appear sometime in 2013, under the term "Internet Addiction Disorder". The first country to officially recognize the disorder was Chine, in November 2008, while there is talk of Germany following suite due to the inability of health security to reimburse those treated for Internet addiction.
This phenomenon is spread worldwide, affecting all age and social groups. At present an estimated 9 million Americans and 10 million Chinese nationals can be classified as addicted to the Internet with significant negative consequences in social interactions. Their symptoms typically include a loss of inhibitory control, intense desire to withdraw and isolate oneself, marital problems, academic failure and debt. When examining behavioral addictions, Internet addiction stands out due to the negative impact it may inflict on millions in the future as Internet penetration increases exponentially.
The aims of our Association are scientific and geared towards the greater good. Our association implements appropriates actions on
recognition, study and tackling of Internet Addiction Disorder
prevention of adverse consequences associated with late diagnosis of Internet Addiction Disorder
raising awareness of society at large, scientific communities and the State in the consequences of Internet Addiction Disorder
raising awareness of and providing training for mental health specialists and other health professionals
setting up programs to support both those addicted to the Internet as well as their families
