ALTHOUGH THE PSYCHIATRIC recognition of computer or Internet addiction is
approximately two decades old (Shotton, 1989), controversy surrounding whether or not it is
a mental illness may interfere with recognition and treatment. For some time I was convinced
that I suffered from the condition myself, experiencing mild anxiety when I was traveling in
countries where there was minimal Internet access. Like any good mental health nurse
eager to understand myself and, if necessary,“heal myself” to help others, I decided to learn …