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Abstract
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In today's digital age, there has been an increase in problematic interactive media use (PIMU), which refers to the unrestrained use of interactive screen media, affecting the individual's physical, psychological, or social health in profound ways. Despite the rapid increase in youths engaging in PIMU, evaluation and availability of treatment programs remain limited.
In an urban primary care setting in Boston, a city with broad cultural and socioeconomic diversity, there has been a significant increase in patients presenting with PIMU but there are few clinical resources available to them. This growing public health concern led to the inception of the Clinic for Interactive Media and Internet Disorders (CIMAID). CIMAID is an innovative, multidisciplinary service designed to fill the research, education, and clinical care needs arising from the evolving set of PIMU presentations. The clinic is made up of a team of clinicians, an adolescent medicine primary care physician, a psychologist, and a psychiatrist. The overall mission of CIMAID is to help adolescents and young adults reduce the negative consequences of PIMU and adopt sustainable, healthy lifestyle behaviors through personalized medical and mental health counseling.
Patients receive a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health clinician of their media use behaviors; mental health; and general medical, educational, family, and social histories. Detailed information is acquired about preferred media platforms, types of interactive media use (e.g., gaming, social media, information bingeing), and frequency and function of the use. Prior to their clinical interview, youths and caregivers are provided with online and in-person structured assessment measures to establish a baseline objective measure of PIMU and to provide global mental health assessment.
After the initial evaluation appointment is completed, patient cases are reviewed at a multidisciplinary team meeting, which focuses on discussing biopsychosocial formulations along with treatment recommendations...
Language: en |