Formal criteria have been suggested along lines strictly analogous to the DSM criteria for alcohol and other substance addictions. This article cites Goodman (1990), who compared the DSM criteria lists for various addictive disorders and derived these general characteristics:
- Recurrent failure to resist impulses to engage in a specified behavior
- Increasing sense of tension immediately prior to initiating the behavior
- Pleasure or relief at the time of engaging in the behavior
- At least five of the following:
- Frequent preoccupation with the behavior or with activity that is preparatory to the behavior
- Frequent engaging in the behavior to a greater extent or over a longer period than intended
- Repeated efforts to reduce, control, or stop the behavior
- A great deal of time spent in activities necessary for the behavior, engaging in the behavior, or recovering from its effects
- Frequent engaging in the behavior when expected to fulfill occupational, academic, domestic or social obligations
- Important social, occupational, or recreational activities given up or reduced because of the behavior
- Continuation of the behavior despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent social, financial, psychological, or physical problem that is caused or exacerbated by the behavior
- Tolerance: need to increase the intensity or frequency of the behavior in order to achieve the desired effect, or diminished effect with continued behavior of the same intensity
- Restlessness or irritability if unable to engage in the behavior
- Some symptoms of the disturbance have persisted for at least one month, or have occurred repeatedly over a longer period of time
These criteria can be applied to almost any behavior, and would seem to characterize an excessive and uncontrollable involvement regardless of the particular behavior. They thus provide one possible definition of pornography addiction. Some critics say, though, that these criteria could apply equally well to many activities, for example an amateur musician might fulfill many of these criteria but would generally be regarded as an hobbyist, enthusiast, or at worst obsessive. Few would declare him an “addict”.
