https://psychnews.psychiatryon...176/appi.pn.2022.2.4
This is a good overview article and raises some good points to consider when working with clients and families:
- Different segments of the population may be more vulnerable to different types of PTU. For example, youth may be more vulnerable to problematic gaming but seniors may be more vulnerable to problematic on-line shopping / gambling
- Suggests using the criteria for on-line gaming disorder to apply to other forms of PTU
- Clinicians should be mindful that PTU may be an outward sign of an emerging/existing mental health diagnosis (e.g bipolar, depression).
- Psychotropic medication is not advised to address PTU unless the individual has another mental health diagnoses
I think the most helpful part of this article is the reminder to look beyond the PTU and consider issues the individual is facing and how the PTU interacts with these. The article notes that parents may be more willing to discuss PTU in a young person as it is less stigmatizing than other mental health issues (e.g. depression, bipolar disorder). Also as someone who is not very familiar with the different types of technology it may be helpful (and rapport-building) for me to ask the client about how the technology works and how it appeals to them.