Want that gadget? Maybe you should see a shrink first

Are you unable to get through your day knowing that there's a new Bluetooth-enabled cell phone out that's sweeter than the one you already have? Do you lie in bed at night obsessed with thoughts of a combination camera-MP3 player?

You're not alone. There is now scientific evidence to support the theory that gadgetheads are just one kilobyte away from needing the assistance of a twelve-step program. (Well, maybe not exactly.)

Researchers from Japan's Yamagata University School of Medicine claim to have found a distinct similarity between the gadget-hungry population and those suffering from addiction disorders, according to Scotsman.com, where we found this story.

A paper published in the scientific journal Psychiatric Genetics says researchers blame the condition on the presence of a cellular enzyme called monoamine oxidase A, which has been detected in a number of gadget lovers, the story said.

Researchers say the enzyme is "significantly associated with higher scores of novelty-seeking," the story said.

The Nomura Research Institute supported the researchers' findings, mentioning a cross-section of "otaku" people, or comic book and anime fans. Like those suffering from the "gotta' have gadgets" disorder, there were some otaku's who would always buy the newest comic or anime release--no matter what the cost, the story said.

Critics of the theory suggest this "need" for new gadgets is too new of a phenomenon to be genetic, while others blame this fascination with gadgets on pop culture, the story said.