Guidelines on Internet Use Disorders: Introduction and Methodology

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Aim: Empirical evidence suggests that Internet Use Disorders (IUDs) can be considered as disorders due to addictive behaviors that are related to impairment and are of clinical relevance. Currently, no guidelines following a standardised methodology are available. Methods: Based on a narrative review, the evidence supporting guidelines for IUDs is reported. The methodological approach underlying the guideline recommendations is described. Results: In addition to gaming disorder, which has been included in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), meta-level criteria support that Social Network Use Disorder, Shopping Disorder and Pornography Use Disorder can be considered as specified disorders due to addictive behaviours. Mechanisms based on etiological models of IUDs are comparable to other addictive disorders and warrant classification as such. The development of the recommendations in this guideline followed the method­ology of the S1 guidelines of the German Association of the Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF) and was based primarily on systematic literature reviews. Twelve German professional associations and societies were involved and approved the guideline. Conclusions: The recommendations of this guideline serve as an aid for the diagnosis and treatment of IUDs. Updates are important to keep up with the rapidly evolving field.