Individuals with Technology-Based Identity Disorder believe that they are a very different person when they are using the internet to communicate with people around them. They are very dependent on technology. They spent a great amount of time on devices, social media, and the web is usually a common warning sign. When they are on social media, their characters can vary. For example, they can be nice on a particular situation and they can be negative on another situation.
They are often individuals who have low-self-esteem and who are lonely ecause they have the mindset that the internet and social media is a “second” home for them to escape and also connect with others anonymously. They tend to be narcissistic and egocentric that makes it difficult for them to have close and warm relationships. They don’t mind the lack of close and warm relationships because the existence of devices and internet makes it comfortable for them to communicate with people online.
They believe that their lives on the internet is very important compared to their identity in real life. Diagnostic criteria: A. Individuals desire the attention of others but didn’t get the attention in real life B. Individuals feel restless, moody, depressed, or irritable when they are not allowed to use device and the internet C. Individuals use technology as a way of escaping problems and reality D. There is a difference between how the individual acts in real life and how they act when they are using technology
E. Individuals believe that they are not the same person online as they are in person F. Individuals neglect friends and families G. Individuals withdraw from other activities in real life H. Individuals often experience symptoms such as headache, neck/backaches, and dry eyes I. The online self has to be present for at least 9 months Prevalence: Rates of Technology-Based Identity Disorder has the highest in adolescents compared to any other age group. There is significant evidence that males are more likely to be diagnosed with this disorder than females.
In addition, there seems to be a comorbidity between Technology- Based Identity Disorder and depression, anxiety, and alcoholism. Studies also show that Technology-Based Identity Disorder is more commonly observed in populations with higher ocioeconomic status where they can have more access to devices. There are no significant differences between ethnic groups. Development and course: Individuals diagnosed with Technology-Based Identity Disorder often have a long history of depression and neglect when they were children. As a result, they tend not to form close relationships with other people easily.
Specific subtypes: NA Altruistic Disorder Basic description: The essential feature of Altruistic Disorder is that the individual has a strong and vigorous desire to alleviate other’s suffering even if by means that harm the individual, rather than improve ndividual’s well-being. It is generally defined as having good intentions, but it is not appropriate. The individual with this disorder wants to help others, but they end up hurting themselves even their intentions are supposedly well-meaning. The individual can function normally in the community but concerns are that they are willing to do anything to help someone in need.
The behaviors are impulsive and they don’t think about the consequences that they might have. For example, they will jump off a cliff just to save a pet, they will run into building in fire just to save someone’s lives or their personal belongings, and they will give generous amount of money to someone who ask for it. Diagnostic criteria: A. Individuals will feel guilty and uncomfortable if the prosocial behavior is not being performed. B. individuals will help others even though it has negative consequences C. Individual’s behaviors are impulsive D. Individuals do not seek anything in return, they genuinely want to help others E.
Individuals’ health is affected physically and mentally F. Individuals do not see their behaviors as being deviant from the society G. Individual’s behavior interferes with daily personal tasks Prevalence: Rates of Altruistic Disorder increase most significantly in higher age groups. The gender differences are not significant where females have slightly higher rate than males. Rates are equal in children. In addition, the ethnic background of individuals with this disorder are equally the same. Overall, this type of disorder is rare compared to other disorders.
However, there is some comorbidity with depression and anxiety disorders. Development and course: The disorder sometimes emerges during adulthood especially in households where amilies of individuals emphasized the importance of altruistic, prosocial, and disciplined behaviors in society. Specific subtypes: NA Time Anxiety Disorder Basic description: Time Anxiety Disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of anxiousness about time and fear of being late. Individuals with this disorder hate being late. This includes being late to a movie, a party, or to occasions planned by the individual themselves.
It will be an anxiety- producing experience to the individuals if they didn’t arrive at the occasion even though being ate will not have any consequences. However, individuals can function normally in daily lives as they are always on time. They are very organized because they always organize schedules for everything that they will do at a specific time. When they are late for even a minute, they will detach and withdraw themselves from the environment and constantly have negative thoughts about themselves.
Diagnostic criteria: A. Individuals always wants to create the greatest amount of value with their lives B. Individuals are constantly aware and sensitive about time C. Individuals worry about spending their time on things that are meaningless D. Individuals worry that something bad will happen if they are late; delusional thinking E. Individuals experience physiological stress if there is no clock near them F. Individuals have mild to severe apprehension G. Symptoms last for at least 3 months H. The behavior is not explained by symptoms of other mental disorder. Prevalence: Individuals diagnosed with Time Anxiety Disorder are more prevalent in college students. The second highest group is adults.
There is considerable differences between genders. Rates are also significantly highest in collectivist cultures and families who value the importance of punctuality and discipline. Studies also shows that rates are more prevalent in families of high- income economic status. Development and course: People diagnosed with Time Anxiety Disorder often have a history with families who values punctuality and discipline. Individuals are often punished and neglected during their childhood when they didn’t do things that were told on time. These individuals tend to learn that punctuality is an important part of their lives.
