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Exponential advances have been made regarding computer/Internet technology in the past decade. This growth, in large part, can be attributed to greater access to, affordability of, and anonymity while on the computer. However, this progress has also produced negative psychological issues. Problematic Internet-enabled sexual behavior (IESB) has increasingly affected individuals' family relationships, work productivity, and academic success. This article is the first-known, empirically based outcome study regarding the effectiveness of group therapy treatment for men with problematic IESB. These closed-groups, which ran for 16 weeks, used a combination of Readiness to Change (RtC), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) interventions. Five groups were analyzed for this paper (yielding a total N of 35), with the average member's age being 44.5 years old. Three different scales (the Orzack Time Intensity Survey, the BASIS-32, and the BDI) were used to track participants' progress across time. The results demonstrated that this group treatment intervention significantly increased members' quality of life and decreased the severity of their depressive symptoms. However, the protocol failed to reduce participants' inappropriate computer use. Regarding comorbidity, the results showed the following: members in the "anxiety" category responded best to the current treatment, those in the "mood" cluster responded relatively positively, and those in the "A-D/HD" category failed to respond significantly. It is clear from this report that more attention must be focused on the treatment of problematic IESB, as opposed to exploratory studies.

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The majority of those addicted to virtual sex whopresent for oupatient and inpatient treatment usually have more peruasive sexual or other behavioral and/or chemical addictions. Case studies are presented to illustrate typicalpatients. Treatment recommendations are made for both outpatient and inpatient treatment. Beck Hopelessness Scale test results show a significant improvement in those treated with inpatient modalities. As in treating other sex addictions, imposing limits and enlisting the aid of others work for some cybersex addicts, while others need a period of complete abstinence or to eliminate computer use entirely.

Computer technology is expanding at an exponential rate, and its effect on society and individuals is being observed in many locations and by many professionals. Computer-addictive behavior is characterized by excessive and inappropriate use of the computer that has repercussions on an individual's real life obligations and relationships. Currently, these unanticipated consequences have been variously classified as computer addiction, Internet addiction disorder, problematic internet use, pathological internet use, and as a new symptom to be added to other psychiatric conditions. Mounting evidence indicates that those who are vulnerable to these problems suffer from multiple co-morbid psychiatric disorders. The problem is further complicated because computer usage is so pervasive in our society that the aim of treatment cannot be abstinence. It must be treated as an eating disorder where the goal is to normalize computer activities in order to survive. Assessment of each patient consists of the measurement of problematic computer behavior and definition of the expectations they have for the effects of these activities. Because of the complexity of these patients' problems, treatment needs to be multidisciplinary and include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotropic medication, family therapy, and case managers. Teamwork is emphasized. Also, regular assessments at 3-month intervals are important both for the patient and the team. The aim of the treatment is to help the patient manage the inappropriate behavior and still be able to use the technology.

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