Public Health Implications of Excessive Use of the Internet, Computers, Smartphones and Similar Electronic Devices: Meeting Report

This WHO meeting report summarises a three-day expert meeting held in Tokyo, Japan, on 27-29 August 2014 on public health implications of excessive use of the Internet, computers, smartphones and similar electronic devices, including conditions termed "behavioural addictions." The meeting, attended by 19 participants and 24 observers, reviewed epidemiology, comorbidity, phenomenology, diagnosis, classification, management and public policy. Reported prevalence estimates varied widely, from 0-90% depending on country, age group and method. In Switzerland, the Continuous Rolling Survey found problematic internet use (CIUS score of 28 or higher) at 0.9% of the general population aged 15 and over, rising to 6.5% among those aged 15-19. Comorbidity with psychiatric conditions was noted, with ADHD and major depression the most common, though causality was not established because longitudinal data were lacking. The report concluded that more research and standardised instruments are needed before effective interventions can be confirmed. Internet gaming disorder was placed in Section 3 of DSM-5, while internet addiction disorder was not included due to insufficient data.