Pharmacological Treatment of Internet Addiction

The increasing number of Internet users has resulted in an increased population percentage affected by the negative effects of problematic Internet usage. To date, the management of psychopathological Internet use is not supported by extensive empirical research. No standard clinical treatment protocols for pharmacological treatment exist, and as a result, empirical or anecdotal assessments based on case studies are mainly consulted. A relevant problem in performing clinical trials is the evolving nosology, which encompasses ambiguous definitions of Internet addiction and a diversity of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic criteria. The aim of this chapter is to review the current literature, to assess the extent to which specific pharmacological interventions (e.g., using antidepressants, mood stabilizers, opioid receptor antagonists, or antipsychotics) can alleviate the symptomatic burden in patients with “Internet addiction.” We also explore pharmacological interventions that target patterns of comorbidity and underlying psychopathological dimensions (e.g., addiction, impulsivity, obsessive-compulsive spectrum, bipolar spectrum, dissociation, etc.) shared with other behavioral or substance addictions.