Problem Internet Use and Internet Gaming Disorder: a survey of health literacy among psychiatrists from Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

Objectives:

Research is limited on psychiatrists’ opinions on the concepts of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and Problematic Internet Use (PIU). We aimed to assess health literacy among psychiatrists on IGD/PIU.

Methods:

A self-report survey was administered online to members of the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) (n=289).

Results:

The majority (93.7%) were familiar with the concepts of IGD/PIU. The majority (78.86%) thought it is possible to be ‘addicted’ to non-gaming internet content, and 76.12% thought non-gaming addictions could possibly be included in classificatory systems. Forty-eight (35.6%) felt that IGD maybe common in their practice. Only 22 (16.3%) felt they were confident in managing IGD. Child psychiatrists were more likely to screen routinely for IGD (11/45 vs. 7/95; Fishers Exact test χ²=7.95, df=1, p<0.01) and were more likely to elicit specific symptoms of addiction (16/45 vs. 9/95; Fishers Exact test χ²=14.16, df=1, p<0.001).

Conclusions:

We recommend adoption of terms alternate to PIU/IGD which are more in line with the content of material irrespective of medium of access. Screening instruments/ protocols are needed to assist in early diagnosis and service planning. Barriers to screening would need to be addressed both in research and service settings.

Keywords

internet gaming disorder problematic internet use survey mental health literacy psychiatrists

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