Research over the last decade has identified Internet addiction as a new and often unrecognized clinical disorder that impact a user's ability to control online use to the extent that it can cause relational, occupational, and social problems. While much of the literature explores the psychological and social factors underlying Internet addiction, little if any empirical evidence exists that examines specific treatment outcomes to deal with this new client population. Researchers have suggested using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as the treatment of choice for Internet addiction, and addiction recovery in general has utilized CBT as part of treatment planning. To investigate the efficacy of using CBT with Internet addicts, this study investigated 114 clients who suffered from Internet addiction and received CBT at the Center for Online Addiction. This study employed a survey research design, and outcome variables such as client motivation, online time management, improved social relationships, improved sexual functioning, engagement in offline activities, and ability to abstain from problematic applications were evaluated on the 3rd, 8th, and 12th sessions and over a 6-month follow-up. Results suggested that Caucasian, middle-aged males with at least a 4-year degree were most likely to suffer from some form of Internet addiction. Preliminary analyses indicated that most clients were able to manage their presenting complaints by the eighth session, and symptom management was sustained upon a 6-month follow-up. As the field of Internet addiction continues to grow, such outcome data will be useful in treatment planning with evidenced-based protocols unique to this emergent client population.

Cyberpsychol Behav. 2007 Oct;10(5):671-9. Young KS. Center for Online Addiction, Bradford, Pennsylvania.

Posted: 11/26/2007



This article provided by The International Hypnosis Research Institute.

Enter your email address to subscribe to the IHRI Newsletter.

Sports Master Are you trying to learn a sport and want to accelerate your skill acquisition? Hypnosis can help you improve your motivation & ability to practice and master any sport because you will start training before you even get out of the bed in the morning!

Running Improvement Increase Your Running Endurance With Your Mind!Hypnosis can help you improve your motivation & ability to run because you will start training before you even get out of the bed in the morning!Experience a level of running where endorphins kick in!

Bodybuilding Have you heard that 80% of success in body building has to do with your mental focus, but you have no idea where to start? Using the power of the inner mind, this hypnosis session will help you develop the body you want.