A new study has found that "internet addiction disorder" show signs of brain changes no different from alcoholics or users of illegal drugs.

According to researchers at the University of Worcesters, brain scans of people that are afflicted with online addiction showed damage to the white matter fibres connecting emotional processing, attention and decision making parts, similar to the impairments found in other addictions like alcohol and cocaine.

"The findings suggest that white matter integrity may serve as a potential new treatment target in internet addiction disorder," the team said in the Public Library of Science One journal.

The study came about when it was found that many smartphone users have began hearing "phantom vibrations" because they are desperate to receive new messages.

Studies showed that one in 10 internet users are thought to be addicted, becoming so absorbed in web use that they forgo food or drink for prolonged periods.

Medical professionals said that for online addiction, psychotherapy or drugs may be the solution. These signs may show that you may be addicted:

• Losing track of time. Users can spend hours without realizing it because they are so absorbed in online activities.

• Isolation from family and friends. It is not unusual for an internet addict's social life to suffer because rather than spending time with family and friends, he is spending it online. Losing touch with friends and family is a sign that you are becoming addicted to the internet.

• Irritability when interrupted. Internet addicts get cranky when they get interrupted while there are online.

• Feelings of guilt. A person that has internet addiction does feel guilty about the time they spend online, but they don't do anything about it.

• A sense of euphoria when online and panic when offline. Internet addicts have a feeling of euphoria when they are online, but panics when connection is cut off.

• Dry eyes, aches, weight gain or sleep disturbances. Physical changes as a result of spending too much time online are obvious signs that something is wrong.