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Swiss Psychiatrists' Beliefs and Attitudes About Internet Addiction

Thorens, Gabriel ; Khazaal, Yasser ; Billieux, Joël ; Van der Linden, Martial ; Zullino, Daniele

In: Psychiatric Quarterly, 2009, vol. 80, no. 2, p. 117-123

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    Titre
    • Swiss Psychiatrists' Beliefs and Attitudes About Internet Addiction
    Auteur
    • Thorens, Gabriel. Division of Addictology, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue verte, 2, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
    • Khazaal, Yasser. Division of Addictology, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue verte, 2, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
    • Billieux, Joël. Cognitive Psychopathology and Neuropsychology Unit, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
    • Van der Linden, Martial. Cognitive Psychopathology and Neuropsychology Unit, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
    • Zullino, Daniele. Division of Addictology, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue verte, 2, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
    Type de document
    • Postprint
    Langue
    • Inglese
    Publié dans
    • Psychiatric Quarterly, 2009, vol. 80, no. 2, p. 117-123. Springer US; http://www.springer-ny.com
    Autre version électronique
    Identifiant OAI-PMH
    • oai:doc.rero.ch:314788
    Summary
    Aims To investigate the beliefs and attitudes of Swiss general psychiatrists toward Internet addiction. Methods Ninety-fourth Swiss psychiatrists filled out a questionnaire at a conference of general psychiatry assessing their views on the concept of Internet addiction, their evaluation methods and treatment procedures they use. Results A cluster analysis revealed three groups: DISBELIEVERS (N=20) rejected the concept of Internet addiction and its importance, not considering it a real clinical problem and consequently not considering the existence of a specific treatment. The NOSOLOGY BELIEVERS (N=66) and NOSOLOGY/TREATMENT BELIEVERS (N=8) assumed that Internet addiction is a real problem. While NOSOLOGY/TREATMENT BELIEVERS asserted the availability of effective treatment (mainly psychological), NOSOLOGY BELIEVERS were less affirmative regarding treatment. Conclusion Thought the concept of Internet addiction is largely acknowledged as a clinical reality by Swiss psychiatrists, routine screening and treatment remain uncommon, mainly due to the belief that efficient treatment is still lacking