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| Internet Addiction Diagnosis |  In actual fact, Internet addiction disorder has not yet been added as an official diagnosis to the DSM. Nevertheless, the following is a set of criteria for Internet addiction that has been suggested by addiction scientists. The criteria are based on the diagnostic standards for pathological gambling.
The person must meet all of the following criteria:
 He/she is absorbed with the Internet (thinks about preceding online activity or is anticipating the next online session).
He/she needs to spend longer and longer periods of time online in order to feel pleased.
He/she has made failed efforts to manage, cut back, or stop Internet use.
He/she is fidgety, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop Internet use.
He/she frequently stays online longer than he/she initially intended.
The patient must meet as a minimum one of the following criteria:
He/she has risked the loss of an important relationship, work, educational or career opportunity because of Internet use.
He/she has lied to family members, a therapist, or others to cover the extent of involvement with the Internet.
He/she uses the Internet as a method of escaping from problems or of relieving an unpleasant mood (like feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression).
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