Internet addiction becomes clinical diagnosis in China

From the People's Daily Online in China:

The "clinical standards in diagnosing Internet addiction" formulated by the General Hospital of Beijing Military Area (acting as the lead agency) recently passed verification by experts.

This means standardization will be applied in diagnosing "Internet addiction" in China’s medical field. In addition, "Internet addiction" will be listed for the first time as a mental illness that needs treatment.

According to the new clinical standards, Internet addiction is a psychological and behavioral disorder caused by an individual's repeated and excessive use of the Internet.

Definition of symptoms includes seven standards. One of the quantifiable indicators is the average daily continuous use of the Internet reaching or exceeding six hours, moreover with this condition lasting three months or longer.

The clinical diagnostic standards are sponsored by the Health Bureau of the PLA General Logistics Department.