Introduction to Behavioral Addictions

Abstract The introductory chapter describes the general construct of behavioral addictions and the importance of including them in the DSM-5, which is the primary psychiatric diagnostic classification system in the United States. It details the DSM-5 process and rationale for aligning behavioral addictions with substance use disorders. It also outlines the primary behavioral addictions: gambling disorder, Internet gaming disorder, Internet addiction, sex addiction, shopping addiction, exercise addiction, food addiction, and tanning addiction. This chapter sets the stage for describing the current scientific evidence regarding the existence of these conditions and future research necessary to reliably and classify them as mental disorders.