Parents should be included in internet use disorder treatment

Parents are a crucial component in the treatment and management of internet use disorders among children, according to research discussed at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry annual meeting.

To provide clinicians with an understanding of clinical and practice issues regarding internet use disorders, David Greenfield, PhD, the University of Connecticut, School of Medicine, reviewed clinical, didactic and research literature in a presentation here.

The review indicated a multimodal approach utilizing psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational techniques for patients and their parents was most effective for treating and managing internet use disorders.

Greenfield emphasized the importance of educating parents on the etiology of internet use disorders, neurobiology of addiction and how to control use of internet devices in their home.

Parents must also be educated about safety issues, digital youth culture and generational hierarchy boundary issues.

Further, there are additional safety issues associated with smartphones, digital distraction in school, social relationships and while driving.

“Pathological, compulsive use of the internet is highly prevalent in our youth today. It is no longer acceptable to relegate excessive and addictive levels of technology use as ‘normal youth behavior.’ Many psychiatric practitioners have not adequately educated their patients and families on the critical components of internet abuse/addiction treatment and relapse management,” Greenfield wrote. “For many of our patients, pathological technology use causes negative sequelae in many functional life spheres, including family life, academic and work performance, social relationship, physical health, safety and loss of sleep. Practitioners must understand the psychoactive nature of the internet and its addictive potential.” – by Amanda Oldt

Reference:

Greenfield D. Raising generation D: What parents and clinicians should know about children and compulsive internet use. Presented at: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry annual meeting; Oct. 23-28, 2017; Washington, D.C.

Disclosure: Greenfield reports no relevant financial disclosures.