How to regulate this is a subject of concern to many people. Another view of computer addiction suggests that excessive and inappropriate computer use is a new symptom of other psychiatric problems. This data may suggest that this technology presents a new way to express affect. One final consideration is treatment of this addiction. Whether or not this addiction is similar to substance dependency, impulse control disorder or a symptom of other disorders, its treatment cannot require abstinence.
Computers are present in workplaces, schools, universities and households.
Treatment must be similar to that given for an eating disorder where the aim is to help the patient normalize their behavior in order to survive. A combination of cognitive behavior therapy and motivational interviewing are the most helpful to the patient. Treating the depression and anxiety with antidepressants is also recommended. Computer addiction is a combination of signs and symptoms that fit a dependency model, an impulse control disorder model, and are often comorbid with other psychiatric diagnoses. The treatment, therefore, must be for all three classifications.