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Even though gaming has been around for almost 50 years, studies about its harms are still in the early stages. Different groups have come to different conclusions about whether problem playing should be called an addiction.
What is a Video Game Addiction?
Gaming addiction, also known as internet gaming disorder, is a pattern of gaming behavior ('digital-gaming' or 'video-gaming') which:
Causes an overwhelming urge to spend all the time gaming.
Means that gaming is given priority over any other activity, work, or school, or any other interest.
Continues or even increases the amount of time spent gaming, even though it is causing harmful effects on family, work/education, and social life.
This condition can include gaming on the internet or any electronic device, but most people who develop significant gaming issues mainly play on the internet. Some people still experience challenges such as antivirus when playing but are still addicted to video games.
Gaming disorder is now recognized by the World Health Organization as a mental health condition. For the condition to be diagnosed as gaming disorder, the behavior pattern must be severe enough to cause significant negative effects on personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other important life activities. The features of gaming disorder should have been continuing for at least 12 months.
What Causes Video Game Addiction?
So far, researchers think the process of playing and winning video games may trigger a release of dopamine. Dopamine is a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that plays a key role in several bodily functions, including pleasurable reward and motivation. Dopamine is the same neurotransmitter involved in other use disorders, including gambling disorder and substance use disorder. Over time, the body adjusts to the level of dopamine that has entered its system, and eventually struggles to reach happy levels without constant rewards. This can develop a healthy hobby into a harmful addiction.
Some other potential causes include:
Need for escapism, especially when faced with a stressful daily life, stressful home environment, trauma, or other personal challenges.
Providing a sense of instant gratification or accomplishment.
Difficulty connecting to others resulting in social needs being ignored in favor of video games.
Those who have a family history of addictive behaviors are more likely to have problematic gaming behaviors.
Those who have dopamine-seeking mental health conditions such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be at a higher risk of developing a gaming addiction.
Signs and Symptoms of Video Game Addiction
Gaming addiction can cause various symptoms and the severity will vary from person to person. Some of the symptoms can also be caused by other kinds of stress, so it can't always be assumed that it is gaming that's the cause of any problems. The symptoms of gaming addiction are as follows:
Gaming behavior:
Preoccupation with games, constantly thinking about previous games and anticipating playing the next game. Gaming becomes the dominant activity in daily life.
Self-imposed isolation in order to guarantee uninterrupted play.
The use of gaming to relieve negative moods, such as guilt, anxiety or hopelessness.
The need to spend increasing amounts of time gaming.
Withdrawal symptoms when gaming is taken away. These symptoms are often described as irritability, restlessness, anxiety, or depression.
Deceiving family members or others about the amount of time spent gaming.
People with increased gaming symptoms may have greater levels of depression and also an increased tendency to become aggressive.
Effects on other activities:
Loss of interest in real-life relationships, previous hobbies, and other entertainment as a result of gaming.
Risk of losing, or actually losing, a job, educational or career opportunity, or a relationship due to gaming.
Persistent tiredness due to lack of sleep.
Continued excessive gaming despite being aware of the problems it's causing.
Being unable to reduce playing and having failed attempts to quit gaming.
If someone spends many hours at a time gaming, this does not necessarily mean that they have gaming addiction. However, that amount of time along with the signs listed above indicates a problem. If there is any chance an addiction exists, early recognition and treatment are very important.
Video Game Addiction Treatment
The main treatment option for video game addiction (internet gaming disorder) is talk therapy (psychotherapy). Psychotherapy is a term for a variety of treatment techniques that aim to help you identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Working with a mental health professional (such as a psychologist or psychiatrist) can provide support, education and guidance to you and your family.
Specific types of psychotherapy that may benefit someone with video game addiction include:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This is a structured, goal-oriented type of therapy. A therapist or psychologist helps you take a close look at your thoughts and emotions. You’ll come to understand how your thoughts affect your actions. Through CBT for video game addiction, you can unlearn negative and obsessive thoughts and behaviors and learn to adopt healthier thinking patterns and habits.
Group therapy: This is a type of psychotherapy in which a group of people meets to describe and discuss their problems together under the supervision of a therapist or psychologist. Group therapy is a valuable source of motivation and moral support for people who have video game addiction, especially if they’ve lost contact with friends or peers as a result of their video game addiction.
Family or marriage counseling: This type of therapy can help educate loved ones about the disorder and create a more stable home environment.
Conclusion
Millions of people across the world play video games and internet games. While the majority of people who enjoy these types of games don’t develop problematic behaviors, it's possible for gaming to become all-consuming and negatively impact your daily functioning. If you’re worried about your gaming habits or those of a loved one, reach out to your healthcare provider. They’re always available to help you.
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