Problem internet use and internet gaming disorder : a survey of health literacy among psychiatrists from Australia and New Zealand

Objectives: Research is limited on psychiatrists’ opinions on the concepts of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and Problematic Internet Use (PIU). We aimed to assess health literacy among psychiatrists on IGD/PIU. Methods: A self-report survey was administered online to members of the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) (n=289). Results: The majority (93.7%) were familiar with the concepts of IGD/PIU. The majority (78.86%) thought it is possible to be ‘addicted’ to non-gaming internet content, and 76.12% thought non-gaming addictions could possibly be included in classificatory systems. Forty-eight (35.6%) felt that IGD maybe common in their practice. Only 22 (16.3%) felt they were confident in managing IGD. Child psychiatrists were more likely to screen routinely for IGD (11/45 vs. 7/95; Fishers Exact test χ ²=7.95, df=1, p<0.01) and were more likely to elicit specific symptoms of addiction (16/45 vs. 9/95; Fishers Exact test χ ²=14.16, df=1, p<0.001). Conclusions: We recommend adoption of terms alternate to PIU/IGD which are more in line with the content of material irrespective of medium of access. Screening instruments/ protocols are needed to assist in early diagnosis and service planning. Barriers to screening would need to be addressed both in research and service settings.