China gives electric shocks to Net game addicts

Electric shock therapy is being applied to kids as young as 12 at the Beijing Military Region Central Hospital.

According to USA Today, the teens it has interviewed can't get enough of the treatment.

One teen, who the hack noted had spiky hair, said that since becoming involved in the programme he had been able to sleep for the first time.

According to China's first internet addiction clinic director, Dr Tao Ran, the kids were off school because they are playing games or in chat rooms everyday.

They were suffering from depression, nervousness, fear and unwillingness to interact with others, panic and agitation. They also have sleep disorders, the shakes and numbness in their hands.

Treatment includes 30-volt charges to pressure points, intravenous potions made from a secret recipe injected to balance brain secretions and sticking needles in various parts of the body. That would be acupuncture..

It is not surprising then that the kids will want to stop playing games and don't want to see a computer for a while. µ

L'INQ
USA Today