What Is Video Game Addiction?
Video Game Addiction, or Gaming Disorder, was recognized as an addictive behavior by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018 when the organization released the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Video game addiction is characterized by an ongoing pattern in which someone has impaired control over their gaming habits, and such priority is given to gaming that it takes precedence over daily activities and other interests. As the addiction progresses, one continues gaming despite having experienced negative consequences. This addiction can refer to either an addiction to video games or Internet games or both.
How Can Video Game Addiction Be Harmful To Someone Who Experiences It?
While not everyone who enjoys playing video games is at risk for gaming addiction, it is important to be mindful of how much time one spends gaming, and if that impacts their ability to take care of oneself. It has been reported that in cases of video game addiction, people neglect their well-being. As a result, they may experience poor eyesight and hearing, musculoskeletal issues, poor diet, and sleep deprivation. In this way, gaming addiction can be a physical detriment with a lasting impact on one’s health and wellness.
How Can Video Game Addiction Impact One’s Relationship With Their Loved Ones?
Gaming addiction, in addition to taking a toll on one’s focus and success in an academic or occupational setting, can also affect one’s relationships. Other symptoms of gaming addiction include aggressive behavior, which can, unfortunately, affect one’s personal and familial relationships.
Who Is Most At Risk Of Video Game Addiction?
Studies have shown that people with ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) are more likely to be at risk of serious gaming addiction and experience its negative consequences. Male video gamers with a preexisting history of difficulty being empathic to others or being community-minded were most likely to develop a gaming addiction with an increased risk of anxiety, depression, aggression, and lack of interest in person-to-person socializing. There is also an increased chance of adverse effects in gamers who participate in massively-multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), compared to gamers who do not participate. Research shows that some video game addicts are also likely to report addictive behavior relating to Internet pornography as well.
When Should I Seek Diagnosis And Treatment?
If you worry that you have a video game addiction, and it is impacting your relationships, performance at work or school, or your daily life, it may be time to seek support. Should you have video game addiction, the proper diagnosis can result in an adequate, working combination of talk therapy and medication so that you can feel like you are in control of your life again. If you reside in California, Oregon, and New York are seeking personalized psychiatric care, consider Dr. Cawkwell of PBC Psychiatry. Philip Cawkwell, MD offers a 100% virtual practice so that child, adolescent, and adult patients can all receive psychiatric care from the comfort of their own homes. If you want to request an appointment, fill out a brief consultation request to get started with PBC Psychiatry today!
