Aims To investigate the beliefs and attitudes of Swiss general psychiatrists
toward Internet addiction. Methods Ninety-fourth Swiss psychiatrists filled out a questionnaire at a conference of general psychiatry assessing their views on the concept of
Internet addiction, their evaluation methods and treatment procedures they use. Results A
cluster analysis revealed three groups: DISBELIEVERS (N = 20) rejected the concept of
Internet addiction and its importance, not considering it a real clinical problem and consequently not considering the existence of a specific treatment. The NOSOLOGY
BELIEVERS (N = 66) and NOSOLOGY/TREATMENT BELIEVERS (N = 8) assumed
that Internet addiction is a real problem. While NOSOLOGY/TREATMENT BELIEVERS
asserted the availability of effective treatment (mainly psychological), NOSOLOGY
BELIEVERS were less affirmative regarding treatment. Conclusion Thought the concept
of Internet addiction is largely acknowledged as a clinical reality by Swiss psychiatrists,
routine screening and treatment remain uncommon, mainly due to the belief that efficient
treatment is still lacking