The Relationship Between Depression and Internet Addiction

TLDR

Prior studies using the Zung Depression Inventory have shown that moderate‑to‑severe depression frequently co‑occurs with pathological Internet use, but the instrument’s limited normative data and clinical use suggest a need for better assessment tools, and effective psychiatric symptom management may indirectly reduce Internet addiction. This study employed the Beck Depression Inventory to more accurately assess depression in Internet‑addicted individuals and to argue that treatment should prioritize the underlying psychiatric disorder when it drives the impulse‑control problem. An online survey hosted on a World Wide Web site administered the BDI as part of a larger study to collect data from Internet‑addicted users. Among 312 surveys, 259 valid profiles from addicted users revealed significant depression levels associated with pathological Internet use.

Abstract

Prior research has utilized the Zung Depression Inventory (ZDI) and found that moderate to severe rates of depression coexist with pathological Internet use.1 Although the ZDI was utilized for its expediency with on-line administration, its limitations include poor normative data and less frequent clinical use. Therefore, this study utilized the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), which has more accurate norms and frequent usage among dual diagnostic patient populations. An on-line survey administered on a World Wide Web site utilized the BDI as part of a larger study. A total of 312 surveys was collected with 259 valid profiles from addicted users, which again supported significant levels of depression to be associated with pathological Internet use. This article discusses how a treatment protocol should emphasis the primary psychiatric condition if related to a subsequent impulse control problem such as pathological Internet use. Effective management of psychiatric symptoms may indirectly correct pathological Internet use.