Is internet addiction officially classified in the DSM-5?

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The classification of internet addiction in the DSM-5 reflects the current understanding of this phenomenon within the context of mental health and addiction studies. The DSM-5 does not officially recognize internet addiction as a standalone disorder due to insufficient empirical evidence to meet the criteria for a primary diagnosis. However, it does acknowledge problematic internet use as a topic that requires further research, which is why it is categorized as a condition needing further study. This indicates an awareness within the clinical community of the potential issues arising from excessive internet use, but also highlights the need for more robust scientific backing to formulate a coherent diagnostic framework or criterion for what constitutes internet addiction. Consequently, while there are significant concerns related to excessive internet use, it has not yet reached the level of being classified as an officially recognized disorder.

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