First case of netflix addiction being treated
This story is being promoted over several different news outlets.
There is a man in India who has been admitted to Service for Healthy Use of Technology (SHUT) Clinic at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru, India. NIMHANS Centre
He is being described as a 26 year-old male who has been depressed for 6 months after losing his job. He has been using Netflix to "shut out reality" and turning it on first thing in the morning and watching continuosly throughout the day.
His symptoms were described as follows " Unable to exercise self-control, he developed eye strain, fatigue, and disturbed sleeping patterns". In the treamtent program at the SHUT Clinic, he will be receiving therapy, learning relaxation exercises and receiving career counselling.
Here are my questions: Is Netflix the problem or the symptom? Does it matter as long as he gets treatment?
Clearly if he has been getting career counselling, that will address the underlying issue of his potential depression - namely being unemployed which could lead to depresseion like symptoms. Keep in mind that I say potential depression as that is not mentioned in the various articles i read, nor am I treating this man, nor am I qualified to diagnose.
However, there are a few implications that I ponder about as I read this article:
Is it easier or more acceptable to say that you have a Netflix addiction versus depression or even exhibit depression like symptoms?
What constitutes a Netflix addiction? Do we think that will be up for consideration for the next iteration of the DSM?
Does it matter what it gets called? Clearly this man was struggling and now he is receiving help.
Would love to hear your thoughts on this one!