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I chose this article because it proved many points supporting that gaming addiction can cause problems

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I chose this article because it proved many points supporting that gaming addiction can cause problems

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International health officials are set to classify excessive video game playing as a mental health disorder - and parents who gave out games as gifts this year may want to take note.

The World Health Organization is in the process of finalizing the 11th update of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), a guide that describes different health problems and their symptoms. The latest draft version of the new ICD includes an entry for "gaming disorder," which is essentially video game addiction, as Forbes first reported.

The disorder is marked by "persistent or recurrent gaming behavior" that makes playing games more important than other activities despite the negative repercussions. "The behavior pattern is of sufficient severity to result in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning," the disorder's description states.

The new ICD will be finalized next year and, if gaming disorder is included, it could be a watershed. Up until now, addiction to video games has not been formally recognized as a health problem by experts. The American Psychiatric Association considered "internet gaming disorder" when putting together the fifth edition of the DSM, its guide to mental health conditions, but said more research was needed before it could be formally recognized, CNN reported.

Nevertheless, numerous researchers have indicated that a significant portion of video game players may be addicted. Indeed, a treatment center dedicated to people who are hooked on video games exists. There is also the self-help group On-Line Gamers Anonymous, which was started by a woman who believes her son committed suicide as a result of his gaming addiction.

While formal treatment options exist, they can be expensive given that many insurers won't cover them because of the fact that gaming addiction is not a formally recognized problem, according to the Washington Post.

To some extent, video game addiction could be a reflection of people's growing dependence on technology. Nearly two in five millennials say they interact with their phones more than with their loved ones. And it's not just kids who are becoming addicted to screen - parents with children between the ages of 8 and 18 spend more than 9 hours a day with screen media, according to a report from Common Sense Media, a San Francisco-based organization that examines the impact of technology and media on families.

Not everyone agrees about gaming addiction

Some researchers in the mental health community argue that quickly formalizing video game addiction as a health problem could be dangerous. Earlier this year, researchers from the American Psychological Associations criticized the efforts on the part of WHO and the American Psychiatric Association to codify this disorder - in part because that end goal is influencing research into the problems caused by excessively playing video games.

The researchers argued that current studies regarding video game addiction are based on principles of substance abuse approaches, despite the fact that drug or alcohol use is different from media consumption.

Furthermore, existing research about video game addiction has not been conclusive, Anthony M. Bean, a Texas-based clinical psychologist and one of the report's authors, told gaming news site Polygon. "In the whole field of 'video game addiction,' the incidence ranges all the way from 0.8 percent all the way up to 50 percent of the gaming population, depending on which study you decide to look at," Bean told Polygon.

Bean also warned that creating a gaming disorder could stigmatize playing video games, despite the fact that for some people, video games can be helpful. Playing Tetris, for example, has been shown to help with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. "Maybe the person's actually depressed and using video games as a coping mechanism, or a mechanism with which to deal with some personal stress in the world," he said. Along those same lines, excessive playing could be indicative of another mental health problem, such as depression or anxiety.

Indeed, some scientists believe that video games could be designed as teaching tools or to help people improve real-life skills such as hand-eye coordination.

What to do if you're worried about video game addiction

Lifehacker staff writer Patrick Allan has created a guide on how to cut back on the amount of time someone spends playing video games. Parents of children who seem to be "addicted" to their PlayStation or Xbox can glean some useful guidance from it.

For starters, Allan recommended tracking how much time the gamer spends playing - through a log or spreadsheet - to help the person realize how often they play and to get a sense of whether it's a problem. He also suggests setting limits such as only playing on certain days or avoiding in-game purchases, and avoiding games that require a larger time investment.

Finally, Allan warns that people who are concerned about playing video games too much should consider whether they're actively avoiding something in the real world and work to address that instead. "If work was getting me down, I'd make an actionable plan on how to improve it instead of grabbing a controller," Allan wrote.

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Your video game-addicted kid could have a serious health problem

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International health officials are set to classify excessive video game playing as a mental health disorder - and parents who gave out games as gifts this year may want to take note.

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I chose this article because it's my reference article

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I chose this article because it's my reference article

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The Latest Research on Teenage Video Game Addiction

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Excessive time spent playing video games can lead to habit-forming behavior that is destructive.

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I chose this because it's my viewpoint article

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I chose this because it's my viewpoint article

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Video games have exploded as a pastime, particularly among young people. But some are concerned that certain players may develop a "video game addiction" wherein gaming interferes with other life responsibilities such as academics or family life. Recently, 26 scholars (including myself) who research the behavioral effects of gaming released a report concluding that current research couldn't support the common assumption that video game addiction is a legitimate disease. So, is it real thing or not?

There's little question that a small percentage of gamers overdo it - gaming instead of doing homework, going to work or interacting with friends offline. The number of gamers affected in such a manner is quite small. One recent American Journal of Psychiatry study of nearly 19,000 young adults found less than 1 percent of people experience video game addiction. The same can be said of many activities; people overdo it with sex, food, exercise, work or religion, none of which (gambling is the exception) have been enshrined as an official disease. Is there evidence that video games are different from these other activities?

At present, the answer is no.There is actually more research on food addiction than video game addiction, for instance, and the research on the latter remains controversial. Some recent evidence suggests that video game addiction isn't a very stable phenomenon. Unlike many serious mental illnesses, this addiction seems to most often go away by its own, without treatment.

The American Journal of Psychiatry study mentioned above found that video game addiction symptoms didn't predict other problems in life, suggesting the clinical utility of the diagnosis is pretty limited. This is not surprising given that a fair number of the symptoms used to diagnose video game addiction may be pathologizing normal behavior. For instance, a common criterion used for addictions is "I use X to improve my mood when I am stressed." Granted, if X is heroin, this is a bad thing! But if X is video games, it's unclear that this is different from how people generally use hobbies to reduce stress. X could be scuba diving or jogging or reading a book, but surely these are not all addictions?

There's also evidence that, many individuals who do have problems moderating their gaming often have an underlying mental health problem that is not a product of gaming. For instance, in a study I published several years ago, youth with pre-existing mental health symptoms (attention problems) tended to exhibit problems moderating their gaming one year later. However, video game habits did not predict later mental health problems. This suggests that mental health issues come first, with gaming issues a symptom rather than a cause. One way to think of this is noting that many people who are depressed often sleep more due to fatigue, spending more time in bed, but we wouldn't diagnose them with a separate "bed addiction."

Why, then, does video game addiction get so much attention? It seems we are pretty clearly in a cycle of moral panic regarding video games. This is not much different from previous moral panics regarding other media from Elvis Presley, to rock music in the 1980s (remember the Tipper Gore/Parents Music Resource Center hearings?) to the "Harry Potter" series to "Dungeons and Dragons." Moral panics can put political pressure on scientific bodies to rush to rash claims despite a lack of solid evidence. For instance, in conversations with one administrator at the World Health Organization, who is considering including potential video game addiction diagnoses in their International Compendium of Diseases, he acknowledged that political pressure, from Asian countries in particular, was one factor.

Politics makes for really bad science. Premature efforts to label video game addiction a disease may actually do more harm than good. There have been reports that camps used to treat video game addiction in China are sometimes abusive. Such disorders may be used in some countries as an excuse to restrict free speech. And, more generally, falsely labeling some youth as addictive may cause unnecessary strife between parents and youth, and could limit access to social support through social gaming for some youth, worsening their well-being.

Video game addiction is certainly a topic worthy of future research. And scholarly opinions on the validity of video game addiction remain mixed. But, at present, the solid, consistent and well-validated research base necessary to label video game addiction a disease or disorder has not materialized. There is too much research evidence suggesting that we should be cautious in moving ahead.

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Video games have exploded as a pastime, particularly among young people. But some are concerned that certain players may develop a "video game addiction" wherein gaming interferes with other life responsibilities such as academics or family life.

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i chose this article because it showed both sides of the problem

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Ask the parent who watches their child retreat into the world of video games for hours every day, who neglects their friends and family, and who loses interest in anything but their game console, and they will say that yes, video game addiction is as real as an addiction to alcohol or cocaine. But do they really know what they are evaluating? Surely the alcoholic who drinks himself to death, or the drug addict who overdoses, are sicker than a kid who spends too long in front of a computer screen?

Latest Developments

Video game addiction was not included in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), although video game playing has become much more widespread since its publication in 1994. Since then, the video game addiction concept has been controversial, with the American Medical Association first supporting, then withdrawing support from a proposal for it to be included in the next edition, the DSM-V, in 2012. Video game addiction has also been proposed for the DSM-V as a sub-type of internet addiction, along with sexual preoccupations and e-mail/text messaging.

Asian countries, such as South Korea, are recognizing video game addiction as an urgent public health matter, with several deaths having occurred in internet cafes, apparently as a result of blood clots occurring during a prolonged sitting at computers. In the United States, estimates of video game addiction and related problems are more difficult, with computers being accessed at home rather than in shared public places. However, case studies show similar patterns of behavior across cultures, and it is argued that they are the same phenomenon.

When free from the constraints of school, many kids simply want to be entertained as easily as possible. And many parents want this for their kids too, as the shift to single-parent families and two-income families leaves many parents with little time to focus on interaction with their kids. Giving their child the latest video game serves two purposes: It alleviates parental guilt about not spending enough time with the child, and it keeps the child happily occupied. This kind of lifestyle can quickly settle into a pattern which makes lengthy periods in front of computer games rewarding for everyone concerned.

Yet there is currently no clear or consistent message to parents about whether computer game addiction is a real risk. Video games may also have positive effects, and game developers are making efforts to incorporate health benefits, such as exercise, into games. So how are parents supposed to know how to respond?

Background

Video games themselves are a relatively recent phenomenon, and widespread video game ownership and play have only occurred in the past few years. Video games certainly did not exist in their current, highly sophisticated form 15 years ago when the DSM-IV was published. So although there is no recognition of video game addiction in the DSM-IV, that is no indication that it does not exist now.

The idea of video game addiction has rapidly grown out of an industry geared specifically at getting kids to buy as many games as possible. Halfway between toys and TV, video games are targeted at naïve youngsters who are unable to set their own limits on a play or to make well-thought-out decisions about how to spend their time - with some game manufacturers even boasting in their advertising about the "addictive" experience of their games. Proper recognition of the risk of video game over-use or addiction provides a rationale for setting standards of guidance for parents and gamers regarding appropriate limits to gaming.

Video game addiction is being increasingly recognized by researchers and other professionals. The American Medical Association (AMA) took a lead role in compiling research supporting the idea of video game addiction in 2007, concluding that the "AMA strongly encourages the consideration and inclusion of 'internet/video game addiction' as a formal diagnostic disorder in the upcoming revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV."

However, both the AMA and the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) backed off from this decisive position later in 2007, saying more research was needed before video game addiction could be recognized as an addiction. A release by the American Psychiatric Association around the same time stated:

"Since the current edition, DSM-IV-TR does not list "video game addiction," the APA does not consider "video game addiction" to be a mental disorder at this time. If the science warrants it, this proposed disorder will be considered for inclusion in DSM-V, which is due to be published in 2012. Revising DSM requires a years-long, rigorous process - one that is transparent and open to suggestions from our colleagues in the medical and mental health communities and the public. All changes to DSM will be based on the latest and best science."

Several research studies have been conducted that indicate video game addiction is real in around 10% of gamers who meet criteria for video game addiction. Grüsser et al (2007) found that pathological gamers differed from regular gamers in terms of daily time spent playing, and had higher "expected relief of withdrawal symptoms when gaming," and higher "craving due to the expectation of a positive outcome of gaming." These are all characteristics which mirror those of substance dependence.

Skoric et al (2009) showed that video game addiction is independent of simply how much time is spent playing, and how engaged children are with the game. In their study, addiction tendencies were negatively related to scholastic performance, while no such relationship was found for either time spent playing games or for video game engagement. A similar pattern of video game addiction is negatively related to scholastic performance was previously found in a separate study by Chiu et al (2004).

Charlton's (2002) factor analysis provided support for computer addiction as a unique concept. This research demonstrated the importance of recognizing the specific characteristics of computer addiction, rather than simply adapting measures of pathological gambling, which are likely to overestimate the occurrence of computer addiction.

Recognition of video game addiction would allow support services to be integrated into community addiction settings, and specific training to be provided to staff. This is particularly important given the high incidence of concurrent disorders among those with video game addiction.

Case Against

Video game playing may have several advantages. Proficiency in video games can develop the self-esteem of the player. It can develop eye-hand coordination and can have other educational features. More sophisticated games can help players to develop other skills, and recent developments have built-in aspects of physical exercise - although this may have limited appeal to gamers.

The reality of popular culture is that we are more and more dependent on technology. A generation ago, computers were complicated and difficult to use, but modern computers are more user-friendly and are relatively easy and enjoyable for the majority of people to use. Video games allow people to have positive experiences of using computers, that can provide transferable skills for using computers for a variety of purposes.

Bearing in mind the potential positive effects of video game playing, to label the activity an addiction without sufficient evidence and interpretive guidelines about what constitutes addiction (as opposed to benign or positive game playing) could deter many children and their parents who could possibly benefit from video games. This would be a mistake.

There is wide variation in video games, and although some appear to have harmful effects, particularly through the promotion of violence and other anti-social behaviors, this is a function of the content of specific games, rather than a characteristic of video games per se. Video games as a medium have equal potential to develop positive social skills, or to provide benign forms of entertainment - although these may not be as easily marketable to kids.

As with other addictions, there is a risk that a label like a video game addiction could be used too liberally, without paying attention to other concurrent or underlying conditions, such as attentional problems, autism spectrum disorders, depression and anxiety disorders. These conditions have different treatments which might more effectively help the excessive game player.

And video game addiction is vulnerable to the same criticism that all behavioral addictions are - that addictions are a chemical problem resulting from the intake of addictive substances, not a pattern of behavior.

Where It Stands

The APA is not saying that video game addiction does not exist, nor that it is not an addiction, but simply that they are looking at the issue and won't make a decision until the next edition of the DSM comes out in 2013.

In the same release in which they withdrew their recommendation that video game addiction is recognized, the APA expressed serious concern about the consequences of excessive video game playing in children, stating:

"Psychiatrists are concerned about the wellbeing of children who spend so much time with video games that they fail to develop friendships, get appropriate outdoor exercise or suffer in their schoolwork. Certainly, a child who spends an excessive amount of time playing video games may be exposed to violence and may be at higher risks for behavioral and other health problems."

Therefore, whether or not video game addiction is acknowledged as a real addiction, or even as a mental health problem in and of itself, the APA is clear that excessive video game playing in children can be unhealthy, and can lead to other problems.

Thanks for your feedback!

What are your concerns?

Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand

Article Sources

American Psychiatric Association, News Release: Statement of the American Psychiatric Association on "Video Game Addiction". Release No. 07-47. June 21, 2007.

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th Edition - Text Revision), Washington DC, American Psychiatric Association. 1994.

Block, M.D., Jerald J., "Issues for DSM-V: Internet Addiction." Am J Psychiatry 165:3. 2008.

Charlton, J. P. "A factor-analytic investigation of computer addiction and engagement." British Journal of Psychology 93:329-344. 2002.

Chiu, Ed.D., S., Lee, M.A., J. & Huang, Ph.D., D. "Video Game Addiction in Children and Teenagers in Taiwan." Cyberpsychology & Behavior 7:571-581. 2004.

Entertainment Software Association. "2008 Essential Facts about the Computer and Video Game Industry." Accessed 10 Feb 2009.

Grüsser, Ph.D., S.M.., Thalemann, Ph.D., R. & Griffiths, Ph.D., M. "Excessive computer game playing: evidence of addiction and aggression?" Cyberpsychology & Behavior 10:290-292. 2007.

Khan, MD, Ph.D., Mohamed K. "Emotional and Behavioral Effects, Including Addictive Potential, of Video Games." Report Of The Council On Science And Public Health. CSAPH Report 12-A-07. 2007. Accessed 10 Feb 2009.

Skoric, M., Lay Ching Teo, L. & Lijie Neo, L. "Children and Video Games: Addiction, Engagement, and Scholastic Achievement." CyberPsychology & Behavior. 12:567-572. 2009.

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Video Gamers Can Show Signs of Addiction

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Ask the parent who watches their child retreat into the world of video games for hours every day, who neglects their friends and family, and who loses interest in anything but their game console, and they will say that yes, video game addiction is as real as an addiction to alcohol or cocaine.

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"Asian countries, such as South Korea, are recognizing video game addiction as an urgent public health matter, with several deaths having occurred in internet cafes, apparently as a result of blood clots occurring during a prolonged sitting at computers."

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Video about children with gaming addiction

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I chose this article because it shows its symptoms

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Video games have captured the imagination of Americans since the 1970s, with the introduction of very simple games. Although the graphic features of these basic programs were primitive compared to today's complex, multifaceted games, many children, teens, and adults quickly became enthralled with this new pastime. It soon became apparent that video games had the potential to consume a large amount of time as the players tried repeatedly to win. Today, video game addiction has been recognized as a process addiction similar to compulsive gambling, in which the rush of winning becomes one of the primary motivations for playing.

In the early days of video games, most games were available only on arcade machines, which were not accessible 24 hours a day. These days, games are one of the most popular features of social network sites, and they can be played almost continuously on handheld game devices, personal computers, or smart phones. Video games have become much more elaborate, with rich alternate worlds, multiple characters, and complicated storylines. Introverted children or teens may find that they can avoid interacting with "real" peers by engaging primarily with other online players, in the guise of characters with awe-inspiring gifts and powers.

When Gaming Becomes an Addiction

Not all researchers agree that video gaming is a harmful or addictive activity. Many people, including parents, believe that video games expand the imagination, give children the opportunity to work collaboratively, and sharpen cognitive skills. Yet when young people spend most of their time playing video games at the expense of schoolwork, physical exercise, family events, or social activities, the benefits of gaming seem less certain.

There is some controversy over whether video gaming is an addiction comparable to gambling, drug abuse, or alcoholism.

Psychology Today states that the comparison between video gaming and gambling is flawed, because there are no financial stakes or material losses involved with video games. Winning a video game requires cognitive skills and sharp reflexes, while winning at gambling is a matter of luck.

The source of the addictive quality of gaming is still unknown, but researchers propose that the process of playing and winning these games may trigger a release of dopamine, a brain chemical that elevates mood and provides a rush of energy. Dopamine is the same neurotransmitter involved in other addictive activities, such as alcohol or drug abuse.

Video game addiction is not currently recognized as an addictive disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the definitive guide to psychiatric illness. But an obsessive preoccupation with games at the expense of real-life activities or obligations shares some of the characteristics of addictive behavior. How can a parent tell when gaming has stopped being simple entertainment and become an addiction? Here are a few of the key warning signs to watch for:

Poor performance at school, work, or household responsibilities as a result of a preoccupation with gaming

Neglect of other hobbies or friendships

A decline in personal hygiene or grooming

Inability to set limits on how much time is spent gaming

Signs of irritability, anxiety, or anger when forced to stop gaming, even for brief periods of time

The need to spend more time playing games or to play more intensely in order to get the same level of enjoyment

Symptoms of physical or psychological withdrawal, such as loss of appetite, sleeplessness, agitation, or emotional outbursts if the game is taken away

Using video games as a way to escape stressful situations at work or school, or conflicts at home

Children and teenagers aren't the only ones who can be vulnerable to video game addiction. Adults may also play video games for hours instead of engaging in work activities, pursuing hobbies, or devoting time to their partners or children. When adults are no longer able to control the amount of time they spend on video games, or when their jobs or relationships begin to suffer as a result of video gaming, they may have crossed the line from recreation to addiction.

Popular Beliefs About Video Games

There are many misguided beliefs and misconceptions about video games. In some schools of thought, these computerized programs are entirely negative, promoting violence, sexism, and social isolation among young people. Other perspectives hold that video games can be a valuable tool for education and character development, allowing children to simulate the roles of powerful heroes. In reality, video games have both positive and negative characteristics, and the effect of playing games often depends on the player's attitudes toward games and life in general.

Parenting Science proposes that the compelling quality of video games may not be due to an addictive response, but to a psychological phenomenon called "flow." Flow takes place when individuals become so immersed in an activity that they lose track of time. Any engaging activity - even work or school projects - can induce a sense of flow once a person is caught up in the process. While there is nothing necessarily wrong with being immersed in an engaging, educational game, this process can turn into a compulsion if the user is unable to stop, and if it takes time away from other important activities or relationships.

Health Risks and Concerns

Compulsive video gaming can have negative effects on a developing mind or body. Adult players, too, may suffer from the effects of hours spent sitting on the couch or at a computer desk. Listed below are a few of the key concerns for younger players:

Sedentary lifestyle: Hours spent sitting at a computer or in front of a device can take a toll on a young person's body. The lack of physical exercise involved in video gaming has led to public health concerns about weight gain, poor posture, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in America's children and teens.

Lack of social engagement: Although video games require engaging with others in computerized environments, they don't necessarily prepare children for the realities of socializing with their peers. Learning how to interact with others in a real-world setting is an important social skill that may be neglected by individuals who spend too much time gaming.

Problems with concentration and attention: There is some concern that the rapid movements and fast-paced action of video games promote a loss of concentration in players. Children who spend a lot of time playing video games may become less interested in reading books, for example, which requires more focused, prolonged attention.

Avoidance of developmental tasks: Adolescence is a time of self-discovery and personal development. In order to become mature adults who can take on the challenges of life, teenagers must learn how to confront painful emotions and awkward social experiences. When used appropriately, fantasy roleplaying video games can help children learn and apply valuable character traits that may help them in their interactions with others. But when video gaming is used as an escape mechanism, it allows children to avoid the developmental challenges of growing up.

Increased aggression or violence: Children and teens who devote a lot of time to playing video games that focus on combat, fighting, or violence may display more signs of aggression than those who don't play these games. Parents must be aware of the content of video games, which are subject to a rating system similar to the one applied to films. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) posts guidelines and ratings for popular games based on the age of the player, as well as educational resources for parents and parental game controls.

Seizures and repetitive stress injuries: The British Medical Journal (BMJ) published an article about the risks of video gaming for players who have epilepsy or other seizure disorders. The flickering graphics, lights, and colors of video game displays may trigger seizure activity in some players. There is also evidence that compulsive game playing may lead to repetitive stress injuries of the wrists or hands.

Seeking Help and Treatment

Video games have had a tremendous impact - both positive and negative - on the cultural attitudes, psychological development, and lifestyle choices of both children and adults. While these games can be viewed as a risk to players' physical or emotional health, they have also been promoted as effective educational tools and have even been used for physical or cognitive rehabilitation in clinical settings. Yet for individuals who have become caught in a cycle of compulsive gaming, video games can become destructive.The growing popularity of video games has created a new awareness of the problem of compulsive gaming, which in turn has led to the development of treatment programs for this addictive process. Treatment for video game addiction focuses on behavioral modification therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), that guide the client away from the obsessive thought patterns and obsessive habits of addiction. Group therapy is a valuable source of motivation and moral support, especially for individuals who have lost contact with friends or peers as a result of their game addiction. Family or marriage counseling can help educate loved ones about the disorder and create a more stable home environment.

Clients who are diagnosed with co-occurring depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or other psychiatric conditions may require medication therapy with antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs. If substance abuse is a factor, the client will need medical detox followed by specialized treatment for drug or alcohol abuse.

Depending on the severity of the addictive behavior and the co-occurrence of other medical or psychiatric conditions, video game addiction may be treated on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Inpatient facilities offer 24-hour supervision in a supportive, structured environment, which may be beneficial for individuals who haven't been able to control their video game use. Outpatient treatment, which includes intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), offers more flexibility for individuals who cannot enroll in inpatient treatment due to personal responsibilities or who are very motivated to recover from addictive behavior.

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Finding Help

Compared to other addictive disorders, video game addiction may not seem very serious; however, the parents, partners, and children of people addicted to video games can testify to the negative effects of this behavior.
Like other potentially positive activities, video games have their place in a healthy, well-rounded life, but when gaming begins to take precedence over school, work, or relationships, the individual needs professional help. While American Addiction Centers does not treat video game addictions, treatment programs are now available all over the country that address this new disorder and offer hope to people seeking freedom from compulsive gaming.

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Video Game Addiction Symptoms and Treatment

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Video games have captured the imagination of Americans since the 1970s, with the introduction of very simple games. Although the graphic features of these basic programs were primitive compared to today's complex, multifaceted games, many children, teens, and adults quickly became enthralled with this new pastime.

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Although it is not yet recognized by the American Medical Association as a diagnosable disorder, video game addiction is a very real problem for many people. According to the University of New Mexico, recent studies suggest that 6 to 15 percent of all gamers exhibit signs that could be characterized as addiction. Though this disorder can have significant consequences to those suffering from it, its signs and symptoms can sometimes be very difficult to recognize.

Are There Different Types of Video Game Addictions?

There are two major types of video games and therefore two major types of video game addictions. Standard video games are generally designed to be played by a single player and involve a clear goal or mission, such as rescuing a princess. The addiction in these games is often related to completing that mission or beating a high score or preset standard.

The other type of video game addiction is associated with online multiplayer games. These games are played online with other people and are especially addictive because they generally have no ending. Gamers with this type of addiction enjoy creating and temporarily becoming an online character. They often build relationships with other online players as an escape from reality. For some, this community may be the place where they feel they're the most accepted.

What Causes an Addiction to Video Games?

Many different causes factor into video game addiction. One of the main reasons that video games can become so addictive, however, is they are designed to be that way. Video game designers, like anyone else trying to make a profit, are always looking for ways to get more people playing their games. They accomplish this by making a game just challenging enough to keep you coming back for more but not so hard that the player eventually gives up. In other words, success for a gamer often feels just out of reach. In this respect, video game addiction is very similar to another more widely recognized disorder: gambling addiction.

What Are the Signs of Video Game Addiction Problem?

As with any other addiction, video game addiction has warning signs. It is important to know how to recognize these signs if you or someone you care about is an avid gamer. According to the Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery, these symptoms can be both emotional and physical.

Emotional Symptoms of Video Game Addiction

Some of the emotional signs or symptoms of video game addiction include:

Feelings of restlessness and/or irritability when unable to play

Preoccupation with thoughts of previous online activity or anticipation of the next online session

Lying to friends or family members regarding the amount of time spent playing

Isolation from others in order to spend more time gaming

Physical Symptoms of Video Game Addiction

Some of the physical signs or symptoms of video game addiction include:

Migraines due to intense concentration or eye strain

Carpal tunnel syndrome caused by the overuse of a controller or computer mouse

Poor personal hygiene

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Video Game Addiction

Like any other compulsive disorder, video game addiction can have severe negative consequences. Though most of the symptoms listed above have short-term effects, they can lead to more severe long-term repercussions if not addressed properly. For example, someone addicted to video games will often avoid sleeping or eating proper meals in order to continue gaming. While the short-term effects of this may include hunger and fatigue, it could eventually lead to a sleep disorder or diet-related health issues. Similarly, those who isolate themselves from others in order to play video games may miss out on family events, outings with friends, or other events in the short-term. If this continues to be a pattern for a long period of time, however, addicts might find themselves without any friends at all.

Other long-term effects of video game addiction to consider are the financial, academic and occupational consequences involved. Video games and video game equipment can be very expensive, especially when factoring in recurring costs such as the high-speed Internet connection required for online multiplayer games. These games can also be very time-consuming, leaving addicted gamers with less time to focus on their education or career.

Is There a Test or Self-Assessment I Can Do?

The most effective self-assessment that can be done is to examine the above list of symptoms associated with video game addiction. If you find that you or someone you care about exhibits any of these warnings signs, it may be a good time to cut back on the amount of time spent gaming. If you are unsure whether these symptoms apply to you, we can help. Call our toll-free number at to discuss your possible symptoms or to learn about treatment options.

Medication: Are There Drug Options for Video Game Addictions?

Treatment for video game addiction can come in many forms, including different types of therapy or 12-step programs. Certain medications may even be able to inhibit addictive behaviors.

Drugs: Possible Options

According to addictionblog.org, bupropion is one medication that has been used recently to treat this type of disorder. The drug works in a way that changes the brain's chemistry and helps to decrease cravings for video game play. Though it has proven to be fairly effective, this option may not be for everyone. Others may choose to medicate only when absolutely necessary, treating the symptoms as they occur. For example, a gamer suffering from migraines may take medication for headaches. Likewise, an addict suffering from sleeplessness may turn to sleeping pills.

Medication Side Effects

When you take any form of medication, especially when self-medicating, it is very important to read all directions and follow dosage instructions carefully. Even over-the-counter medications can result in dependency and therefore should not be taken for long periods of time unless it is recommended by a medical professional.

Bupropion, though often helpful, is not for everyone. Some possible side effects include:

Antidepressant Drug Addiction, Dependence and Withdrawal in Online Addicts

Due to the evident link between video game or Internet addiction and depression, it is not surprising that many addicted gamers take antidepressant medication to help with the symptoms. Though most healthcare professionals consider this type of medication to be safe and effective, it also comes with its own set of risks and side effects. One factor to consider before beginning antidepressant medication is that it may be difficult to stop taking it. It is common to experience withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, nausea and dizziness. In more serious cases, it is possible to experience depression as a symptom of withdrawal from the medication. This depression can be even more severe than the original depression, leading the patient to believe that the illness has returned.

Medication Overdose

According to the National Safely Council, unintentional overdose is responsible for more deaths among Americans between the ages of 35 and 54 years old than motor vehicle crashes. When taking any medication for addiction or any other problem, it is important to take only the amount prescribed. If you suspect possible overdose, it is important to act quickly. Options for immediate response include dialing 911 or contacting the National Poison Control Center.

Depression and Video Game Addiction

Two recent studies concerning the ties between video game addiction and depression showed an alarming correlation between the two. If you suffer from both conditions, it's important to seek help at a treatment facility that can address both issues. If you attempt to treat the video game addiction without treating the underlying depression, the addiction is more likely to recur.

Dual Diagnosis: Video Game Addiction and Substance Abuse

Because video game addiction has been linked to depression, sleeplessness and an overall lack of concern for one's own health, it is not surprising that substance abuse is also a problem for many gamers suffering from this compulsive disorder. For those suffering from video game addiction as well as substance abuse, proper treatment is imperative to recovery. If you or someone you know is currently suffering from one or both of these disorders, seek professional guidance immediately by calling us at .

Getting Help for Video Game Addiction

Recovery is not always easy, but it is achievable. Video game addiction can be just as dangerous as any other addiction and should be treated as such. The first step in overcoming dependency is being able to recognize that it exists. If you or someone you know exhibits any of the signs or symptoms described above, please don't hesitate to find help treating a video gaming addiction. Call our hotline today at to begin the road to recovery.

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Video Game Addiction Symptoms, Causes and Effects - PsychGuides.com

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Although it is not yet recognized by the American Medical Association as a diagnosable disorder, video game addiction is a very real problem for many people. According to the University of New Mexico, recent studies suggest that 6 to 15 percent of all gamers exhibit signs that could be characterized as addiction.

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Mother force feeds her video game addicted son

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Mum feeds 'zombie' son addicted to computer games in Philippines

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I chose this because it shows that gaming addiction can talk control of you and stop you from interacting with people