Vladan Starcevic
Biographic Data
| ID | 101222 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Vladan Starcevic |
| GIVEN NAMES | Vladan |
| FAMILY NAME | Starcevic |
| SIGNATURE | STARCEVIC V |
| AFFILIATIONS | The University of Sydney |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-6772-6995 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 32 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 8 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 32 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1989 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 1 |
Rhinitis medicamentosa: Still searching for “new” behavioural addictions
Rhinitis medicamentosa (RM) refers to persistent nasal congestion and related symptoms that result from prolonged use of nasal decongestants. Re-examination of the components model of addiction as applied to RM, does not support a suggestion that RM should be conceptualised as a substance-related type of behavioural addiction. Anticipation of a highly distressing nasal congestion upon the cessation of nasal decongestants might be driving their on…
Psychological consequences of school mobile phone bans: Emulated trial of a natural experiment in South Australia
Evidence on the psychological effects of mobile phone bans policies in schools remains limited. This study estimated the effect of a mobile phone ban policy on adolescents’ 1) psychological distress and 2) mood. We conducted a secondary analysis of a natural experiment using an emulated trial framework to examine the effects of a mobile phone ban implemented in Australian schools in 2023 (n = 1062). The exposure was a school-wide mobile phone ban…
The relationship between e-Health literacy and cyberchondria in Iranian students of health sciences
The relationship between e-health literacy and cyberchondria is complex. While people may develop cyberchondria irrespective of the level of their e-health literacy, a high level of e-health literacy may be protective in terms of alleviating distress and problems in functioning that occur with excessive online health searches. These findings are likely to inform future studies in this area
From active escapism to virtual withdrawal: Validation of the Compensatory-Dissociative Online Gaming scales (C-DOGs)
Problematic gaming, social withdrawal, and Escapism: The Compensatory-Dissociative Online Gaming (C-DOG) model
In this article, we critically overview existing studies on compensatory and dissociative mechanisms associated with problematic gaming with a focus on escapism, and present a theoretical model integrating current research. In the first section, we link compensatory and dissociative processes related to gaming on a continuum that corresponds to the degree of connection/rupture between physical and virtual environments of the individual. In the se…
Problematic online behaviors constitute related yet distinct conditions: A cross-sectional study
This study tested the Spectrum hypothesis of problematic online behaviors (POBs) which posits that POBs (e.g., online gaming, gambling, sexual activities, and social networking) constitute distinct, yet related constructs. To overcome the limitations of previous research, we recruited a representative sample of young men and capitalized on a common assessment approach (Fifth version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [DS…
The Spanish version of the short form of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-12): Testing the factor structure and measurement invariance across genders
Cyberchondria refers to excessive and repeated online health-related searching, which is associated with increased distress and anxiety. The Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS) is the most widely used measure for assessment of cyberchondria, and its shortened version (CSS-12) has recently been developed. The aim of the present study was to develop the Spanish version of the CSS-12 and test its psychometric properties. A community sample of 432 Spa…
Gaming disorder and the Covid-19 pandemic: Treatment demand and service delivery challenges
Gaming activities have conferred numerous benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some individuals may be at greater risk of problem gaming due to disruption to adaptive routines, increased anxiety and/or depression, and social isolation. This paper presents a summary of 2019–2021 service data from specialist addiction centers in Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Treatment demand for gaming disorder has exceeded service…
Problematic social networking sites use and attachment: A systematic review
Expert appraisal of criteria for assessing gaming disorder: An international Delphi study
“Diagnostic inflation” will not resolve taxonomical problems in the study of addictive online behaviours: Commentary on: How to overcome taxonomical problems in the study of Internet use disorders and…
This article suggests that the type of Internet-enabled device should not be prioritised when conceptualizing diagnostic categories of addictive online behaviours. The diagnostic distinction between “predominantly mobile” and “predominantly non-mobile” forms of Internet use disorders (IUD) is not empirically based, may not be clinically useful and may lead to “diagnostic inflation.” Problems with the concepts of smartphone use disorder and IUD on…
Problematic risk-taking involving emerging technologies: A stakeholder framework to minimize harms
Background and aims : Despite the many benefits of technological advancements, problematic use of emerging technologies may lead to consumers experiencing harms. Substantial problems and behavioral addictions, such as gambling and gaming disorders, are recognized to be related to Internet-based technologies, including the myriad of new devices and platforms available. This review paper seeks to explore problematic risk-taking behaviors involving …
Cyberchondria in the time of the Covid ‐19 pandemic
Cyberchondria is an excessive or repeated online health information seeking that is associated with increasing levels of health anxiety or distress. This article presents a model of cyberchondria during public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The factors that contribute to cyberchondria at this time include (a) a heightened perception of threat and fear of a newly identified and poorly understood disease; (b) difficulty in coping with…
Case Report: Doubts and Pre-occupations About Being Transgender: Questioning One's Gender Identity or a Case of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
We report the case of a biological female with gender identity-related doubts that were misconstrued as suggesting obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The patient's parent seemed to favor an OCD explanation for the gender-based self-questioning over acceptance of possible transgender identity. We discuss what OCD is and what it is not in the context of gender identity-based doubt; analogy with the better studied sexual orientation-related OCD; c…
Research Directions in the Study of Gaming-Related Escapism: A Commentary to Melodia, Canale, and Griffiths (2020)
Escapism motivations and related processes (e.g., avoidance, dissociation, relaxation, and emotion dysregulation) have been identified as risk factors for problematic gaming. However, the escapism construct has often been poorly conceptualized and operationalized in assessment instruments. In their systematic review, Melodia et al. (2020) proposed that conceptualizing escapism as an avoidant coping strategy could provide a sound basis for further…
Screening and assessment tools for gaming disorder: A comprehensive systematic review
Reducing Internet Gambling Harms Using Behavioral Science: A Stakeholder Framework
Internet gambling provides a unique environment with design mechanics and data-driven opportunities that can impact gambling-related harms. Some elements of Internet gambling including isolation, lack of interruption, and constant, easy access have been argued to pose specific risks. However, identifiable player accounts enable identification of behavioral risk markers and personalized private interfaces to push customized messages and interventi…
Multidimensional Assessment of Covid-19-Related Fears (MAC-RF): A Theory-Based Instrument for the Assessment of Clinically Relevant Fears During Pandemics
In this article, we present the development and psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Assessment of COVID-19--Related Fears (MAC-RF). The MAC-RF is an eight-item, self-report scale that has been developed to assess clinically relevant domains of fear during the COVID-19 pandemic. The MAC-RF is based on a comprehensive theoretical model conceptualizing fears during the pandemics as resulting from an interaction of bodily, interpersonal, …
The relationships between health anxiety, online health information seeking, and cyberchondria: Systematic review and meta-analysis
A weak scientific basis for gaming disorder: Let us err on the side of caution
We greatly appreciate the care and thought that is evident in the 10 commentaries that discuss our debate paper, the majority of which argued in favor of a formalized ICD-11 gaming disorder. We agree that there are some people whose play of video games is related to life problems. We believe that understanding this population and the nature and severity of the problems they experience should be a focus area for future research. However, moving fr…
Relationships between Behavioural Addictions and Psychiatric Disorders: What Is Known and What Is Yet to Be Learned
This article provides a narrative review of the relationships between several behavioural addictions [pathological gambling, problematic Internet use (PIU), problematic online gaming, compulsive sexual behaviour disorder, compulsive buying, and exercise addiction] and psychiatric disorders. Associations between most behavioural addictions and depressive and anxiety disorders are strong and seem relatively non-specific. Strong links with substance…
Working towards an international consensus on criteria for assessing internet gaming disorder: A critical commentary on Petry et al . (2014)
Working towards an international consensus on criteria for assessing internet gaming disorder: a critical commentary on Our collective opinions vary considerably regarding many different aspects of online gaming. However, we contend that the paper by Petry and colleagues does not provide a true and representative international community of researchers in this area. This paper critically discusses and provides commentary on (i) the representativen…
Scholars’ open debate paper on the World Health Organization ICD-11 Gaming Disorder proposal
Concerns about problematic gaming behaviors deserve our full attention. However, we claim that it is far from clear that these problems can or should be attributed to a new disorder. The empirical basis for a Gaming Disorder proposal, such as in the new ICD-11, suffers from fundamental issues. Our main concerns are the low quality of the research base, the fact that the current operationalization leans too heavily on substance use and gambling cr…
Cyberbullying: Review of an Old Problem Gone Viral
Cyberchondria: Towards a better understanding of excessive health-related Internet use
Looking for information about symptoms and illnesses on the Internet is common and often serves useful purposes. However, a number of people who are overly distressed or anxious about their health perform excessive or repeated health-related searches on the Internet, only to become more distressed or frightened - a pattern defined here as cyberchondria. This behavior, which can also be construed as a form of reassurance seeking and occurs as a ma…
Contrasting patterns in the relationship between hypochondriasis and narcissism
This paper investigates the relationship of hypochondriasis to narcissism, starting from the theoretical exposition of hypochondriasis as a disorder, which mainly results from a pervasive sense of ‘inner badness’ and the associated mistrust in one's own worth, and in bodily worth in particular. Narcissistic personality organization is regarded as one of the modes of adjustment to the primary and ‘undifferentiated’ hypochondriacal experiences, and…
Abstracts and Reviews: 4. General and Theoretical
Abstracts & Reviews: Severe Mental Disorders Caused By War Traumas: a Study of 356 Patients Hospitalized in 9 Psy Chiatric Institutions by P. Kaučanin, M. Bjelogrlić and I. Petković. 1992, Unpublished…
NEXT ARTICLEAbstracts & Reviews : AIDS AND ACCUSATION: HAITI AND THE GEOGRAPHY OF BLAME by PAUL FARMER. Berkeley, California: University of California Press. 1992. Cloth: $35.00, ISBN 0-520-07701-6, xiv+340 pages
Neurasthenia in European Psychiatric Literature
Neurasthenia has been a frequent diagnosis in Europe, particularly in some Eastern European countries. This article reviews European contributions to neurasthenia over the past 20 years. The review shows that there are considerable cross-national differences in the way neurasthenia is conceptualized, understood etiologically, and treated. These differences can to a certain extent be attributed to different social and political forces that operate…
The outcome of sex reassignment surgery in Belgrade: 32 Patients of Both Sexes
Testosterone Treatment in Men with Erectile Disorder and Low Levels of Total Testosterone in Serum
Problem Video Game Use and Dimensions of Psychopathology
Cyberchondria: Towards a better understanding of excessive health-related Internet use
Looking for information about symptoms and illnesses on the Internet is common and often serves useful purposes. However, a number of people who are overly distressed or anxious about their health perform excessive or repeated health-related searches on the Internet, only to become more distressed or frightened - a pattern defined here as cyberchondria. This behavior, which can also be construed as a form of reassurance seeking and occurs as a ma…
Cyberbullying: Review of an Old Problem Gone Viral
Working towards an international consensus on criteria for assessing internet gaming disorder: A critical commentary on Petry et al . (2014)
Working towards an international consensus on criteria for assessing internet gaming disorder: a critical commentary on Our collective opinions vary considerably regarding many different aspects of online gaming. However, we contend that the paper by Petry and colleagues does not provide a true and representative international community of researchers in this area. This paper critically discusses and provides commentary on (i) the representativen…
Scholars’ open debate paper on the World Health Organization ICD-11 Gaming Disorder proposal
Concerns about problematic gaming behaviors deserve our full attention. However, we claim that it is far from clear that these problems can or should be attributed to a new disorder. The empirical basis for a Gaming Disorder proposal, such as in the new ICD-11, suffers from fundamental issues. Our main concerns are the low quality of the research base, the fact that the current operationalization leans too heavily on substance use and gambling cr…
Relationships between Behavioural Addictions and Psychiatric Disorders: What Is Known and What Is Yet to Be Learned
This article provides a narrative review of the relationships between several behavioural addictions [pathological gambling, problematic Internet use (PIU), problematic online gaming, compulsive sexual behaviour disorder, compulsive buying, and exercise addiction] and psychiatric disorders. Associations between most behavioural addictions and depressive and anxiety disorders are strong and seem relatively non-specific. Strong links with substance…
A weak scientific basis for gaming disorder: Let us err on the side of caution
We greatly appreciate the care and thought that is evident in the 10 commentaries that discuss our debate paper, the majority of which argued in favor of a formalized ICD-11 gaming disorder. We agree that there are some people whose play of video games is related to life problems. We believe that understanding this population and the nature and severity of the problems they experience should be a focus area for future research. However, moving fr…
The relationships between health anxiety, online health information seeking, and cyberchondria: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Screening and assessment tools for gaming disorder: A comprehensive systematic review
Reducing Internet Gambling Harms Using Behavioral Science: A Stakeholder Framework
Internet gambling provides a unique environment with design mechanics and data-driven opportunities that can impact gambling-related harms. Some elements of Internet gambling including isolation, lack of interruption, and constant, easy access have been argued to pose specific risks. However, identifiable player accounts enable identification of behavioral risk markers and personalized private interfaces to push customized messages and interventi…
Multidimensional Assessment of Covid-19-Related Fears (MAC-RF): A Theory-Based Instrument for the Assessment of Clinically Relevant Fears During Pandemics
In this article, we present the development and psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Assessment of COVID-19--Related Fears (MAC-RF). The MAC-RF is an eight-item, self-report scale that has been developed to assess clinically relevant domains of fear during the COVID-19 pandemic. The MAC-RF is based on a comprehensive theoretical model conceptualizing fears during the pandemics as resulting from an interaction of bodily, interpersonal, …
Expert appraisal of criteria for assessing gaming disorder: An international Delphi study
“Diagnostic inflation” will not resolve taxonomical problems in the study of addictive online behaviours: Commentary on: How to overcome taxonomical problems in the study of Internet use disorders and…
This article suggests that the type of Internet-enabled device should not be prioritised when conceptualizing diagnostic categories of addictive online behaviours. The diagnostic distinction between “predominantly mobile” and “predominantly non-mobile” forms of Internet use disorders (IUD) is not empirically based, may not be clinically useful and may lead to “diagnostic inflation.” Problems with the concepts of smartphone use disorder and IUD on…
Problematic risk-taking involving emerging technologies: A stakeholder framework to minimize harms
Background and aims : Despite the many benefits of technological advancements, problematic use of emerging technologies may lead to consumers experiencing harms. Substantial problems and behavioral addictions, such as gambling and gaming disorders, are recognized to be related to Internet-based technologies, including the myriad of new devices and platforms available. This review paper seeks to explore problematic risk-taking behaviors involving …
Cyberchondria in the time of the Covid ‐19 pandemic
Cyberchondria is an excessive or repeated online health information seeking that is associated with increasing levels of health anxiety or distress. This article presents a model of cyberchondria during public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The factors that contribute to cyberchondria at this time include (a) a heightened perception of threat and fear of a newly identified and poorly understood disease; (b) difficulty in coping with…
Case Report: Doubts and Pre-occupations About Being Transgender: Questioning One's Gender Identity or a Case of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
We report the case of a biological female with gender identity-related doubts that were misconstrued as suggesting obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The patient's parent seemed to favor an OCD explanation for the gender-based self-questioning over acceptance of possible transgender identity. We discuss what OCD is and what it is not in the context of gender identity-based doubt; analogy with the better studied sexual orientation-related OCD; c…
Research Directions in the Study of Gaming-Related Escapism: A Commentary to Melodia, Canale, and Griffiths (2020)
Escapism motivations and related processes (e.g., avoidance, dissociation, relaxation, and emotion dysregulation) have been identified as risk factors for problematic gaming. However, the escapism construct has often been poorly conceptualized and operationalized in assessment instruments. In their systematic review, Melodia et al. (2020) proposed that conceptualizing escapism as an avoidant coping strategy could provide a sound basis for further…
Gaming disorder and the Covid-19 pandemic: Treatment demand and service delivery challenges
Gaming activities have conferred numerous benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some individuals may be at greater risk of problem gaming due to disruption to adaptive routines, increased anxiety and/or depression, and social isolation. This paper presents a summary of 2019–2021 service data from specialist addiction centers in Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Treatment demand for gaming disorder has exceeded service…
Problematic social networking sites use and attachment: A systematic review
Psychology (25 works) · Impact of Technology on Adolescents (13 works) · Medicine (13 works) · Psychiatry (13 works) · Social Psychology (12 works) · Clinical Psychology (11 works) · Computer Science (11 works) · Anxiety (7 works) · Political science (7 works) · Addiction (6 works)