What is Video Game Addiction?

Understanding Video Game Addiction

Before diving into the effects and potential treatments, it's important to understand the basics of video game addiction. This includes defining the term and identifying its similarities to other addictive behaviors.

Definition of Video Game Addiction

Video game addiction, also known as internet gaming disorder, is characterized by severely reduced control over gaming habits, leading to negative impacts on various aspects of life such as self-care, relationships, school, and work. It can involve gaming on the internet or any electronic device, but most affected individuals primarily play on the internet [1].

While video game addiction is not currently recognized as an addictive disorder by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, an obsessive preoccupation with games at the expense of real-life activities shares characteristics of addictive behavior.

Similarities to Other Addictive Behaviors

Video game addiction has been recognized as a process addiction similar to compulsive gambling, where the rush of winning becomes one of the primary motivations for playing.

Research indicates that the process of playing and winning video games may trigger a release of dopamine, a brain chemical that elevates mood and provides a rush of energy. This is similar to the dopamine rush that occurs in other addictive activities like alcohol or drug abuse.

Understanding these similarities can provide insight into the mechanisms of video game addiction and inform potential treatment strategies. It's crucial to remember that, like other addictions, video game addiction can have serious impacts on a person's life. If left unchecked, it can lead to significant disruptions in daily living, relationships, and overall health.

Factors Contributing to Video Game Addiction

To truly understand what is video game addiction, it's crucial to examine the contributing factors. These factors can be divided into two main categories: psychological risk factors and behavioral risk factors.

Psychological Risk Factors

The psychological risk factors for video game addiction are multidimensional. They include traits such as impulsivity, low self-control, and symptoms of anxiety. The pursuit of desired appetitive goals, such as achievement or social recognition, can also be a contributing factor.

Furthermore, co-existing psychiatric disorders can elevate the risk. For instance, those with anxiety and depression may be more prone to develop gaming addiction. Similarly, individuals with ADHD, characterized by symptoms such as impulsivity and conduct problems, are at a higher risk too.

Another psychological factor is personality traits. High neuroticism, impulsivity, and aggressiveness have been linked with a higher risk of developing video game addiction. Additionally, demographic factors such as younger age and male gender are also associated with a higher risk.

Behavioral Risk Factors

On the behavioral front, certain patterns can increase the risk of video game addiction. One such factor is the use of gaming as an escape mechanism. Individuals may resort to gaming to detach from reality or deal with stress, thereby increasing their risk of developing an addiction [1].

Poor psycho-social support can also be a potential risk factor. Those who lack solid relationships or social networks may turn to video games as a form of escapism, thus increasing the likelihood of addiction.

It's important to note that these risk factors can interact and overlap, thus creating a complex web of causes behind video game addiction. Understanding these factors can be a crucial step in identifying individuals at risk and developing effective interventions to address this growing concern.

Impact of Video Game Addiction

Understanding the impact of video game addiction is a vital part of assessing the severity of this issue. This section will examine the effects of video game addiction on different age groups and explore the prevalence and statistics of this phenomenon.

Effects on Different Age Groups

Video game addiction can affect individuals across all age groups, from children and teens to adults. However, it's reported that adults are more likely to have this condition. It's also noted that individuals identified as male at birth are more prone to video game addiction compared to those identified as female at birth [1].

The impact of video game addiction varies depending on the age group. For younger individuals, excessive gaming can lead to physical health problems, disrupted sleep habits, and academic performance issues. It is especially concerning given the addictive nature and significant negative impacts of certain types of games, such as Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs), which make up 25% of gaming revenue worldwide [5].

Prevalence and Statistics

Researchers estimate that video game addiction affects between 1.7% and 10% of the U.S. population. The variability in estimates is attributed to disagreements on the diagnostic criteria for internet gaming disorder.

Further data suggests that approximately 15% of gamers exhibit compulsive gaming issues, and up to 4% of gamers become pathologically addicted to playing video games. The World Health Organization officially recognized Gaming Disorder as a mental health issue in 2018 [6].

Additionally, research studies show that 1% to 16% of video gamers meet the criteria for addiction.

These statistics demonstrate the prevalence and impact of video game addiction. It is a subject that merits further attention, both in terms of understanding its causes and seeking effective solutions.

Recognizing Video Game Addiction

Understanding video game addiction involves identifying key signs, symptoms, and diagnostic criteria. Despite not being formally recognized as an addictive disorder by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the patterns of behavior associated with excessive gaming share similarities with other forms of addictive behavior.

Signs and Symptoms

Recognition of video game addiction begins with an awareness of the signs and symptoms. Also referred to as internet gaming disorder, this condition is characterized by a significant loss of control over gaming habits, resulting in detrimental impacts on various aspects of life such as self-care, relationships, school, and work [1].

Signs and symptoms of video game addiction may include:

• Persistent thoughts about previous gaming activity or anticipation of the next gaming session
• Need to spend increasing amounts of time engaged in gaming
• Unsuccessful attempts to control participation in gaming
• Loss of interest in other hobbies and activities
• Continued excessive gaming despite awareness of psychosocial problems
• Lying to others about the extent of gaming
• Use of gaming to escape or relieve negative moods
• Jeopardizing or losing a significant relationship, job, or educational opportunity due to gaming

These symptoms, akin to other proposed psychological addictions, may lead to significant distress and impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Diagnostic Criteria

The World Health Organization (WHO) included gaming disorder in the 11th revision of its International Classification of Diseases (ICD). The main criterion for diagnosing this disorder, according to the ICD-11, is a lack of self-control over gaming [4].

The American Psychiatric Association (APA), while stating there is insufficient evidence for the inclusion of Internet gaming disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 2013, considered it worthy of further study. It may be described as an impulse control disorder, similar to compulsive gambling.

As per the ICD-11, the diagnosis of gaming disorder is appropriate if:

• Gaming behavior pattern is of sufficient severity, leading to significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other important areas of functioning
• The pattern of gaming behavior is typically evident over a period of at least 12 months for a diagnosis to be assigned, although the required duration may be shortened if all diagnostic requirements are met and symptoms are severe

Recognizing video game addiction is the first step towards seeking treatment. If you or someone you know is showing signs of video game addiction, it's important to seek professional help. There are numerous resources and support systems available to help those struggling with this issue.

Treatment for Video Game Addiction

Addressing video game addiction requires a comprehensive approach, typically involving a combination of behavioral modification therapies and, in some cases, medication therapy. The goal is not only to reduce the time spent on gaming but also to help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms and improve their overall quality of life.

Behavioral Modification Therapies

Behavioral modification therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), are commonly used to treat video game addiction. These therapies aim to guide the individual away from obsessive thought patterns and habits related to excessive gaming.

CBT, in particular, is a helpful type of therapy for treating behavioral addictions like video game addiction. Through CBT, individuals can recognize and replace thoughts contributing to excessive video game use, develop coping strategies for stress, and distract themselves from urges to play video games.

Another primary treatment for video game addiction, also known as internet gaming disorder, is talk therapy (psychotherapy) that aims to help individuals identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors related to gaming habits. Psychotherapy also involves providing support, education, and guidance to the affected individual and their family.

Medication Therapy

While therapies are a cornerstone of treatment, medication therapy may also be necessary for individuals with co-occurring psychiatric conditions or substance abuse issues. These might include antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, or other types of medication to help manage symptoms associated with these conditions.

However, it's important to note that medication therapy for video game addiction is typically used as part of a broader treatment plan that includes behavioral therapies. The exact treatment plan will vary based on the individual's specific needs and circumstances, and should always be administered under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

In conclusion, dealing with video game addiction requires a multi-faceted approach involving both behavioral and possible medication therapies. It's crucial for anyone struggling with this condition to seek professional help to effectively manage their symptoms and work towards recovery.

Addressing Video Game Addiction

Addressing video game addiction is a multi-faceted process that often requires the involvement of multiple parties. It can be a challenging journey, but with the right support and strategies, overcoming this addiction is possible.

Seeking Help and Support

Video game addiction falls on a spectrum of mild problematic gaming to severe pathological gaming addiction. Engaging in any gaming that causes distress or life consequences could signify a problematic relationship with gaming.

If you or a loved one is struggling with what is perceived as video game addiction, it's important to seek professional help. This can be especially necessary in severe cases or when failed attempts have been made to disrupt the addiction. Professional intervention may also be needed if children are resistant to getting help for their addiction.

Contrary to popular belief, the average gamer is actually 33 years old. This means adults, too, can be prone to video game addiction and should not hesitate to seek assistance if they need it.

Intervention Strategies

There are several strategies that can be employed to help address video game addiction. An intervention strategy should be tailored to the individual's needs, and ideally involve a team of professionals, including therapists, counselors, and medical doctors.

Some potentially effective intervention strategies include:

• Setting and enforcing game time limits: This helps to control the amount of time spent gaming and encourages engagement in other activities.
• Implementing a rewards system: This can motivate individuals to reduce their gaming time. For example, rewarding them with privileges or treats for spending less time gaming.
• Providing education about the potential dangers of excessive gaming: This can help individuals understand the negative impact that excessive gaming can have on their health and life.
• Encouraging participation in other activities: This can help to shift focus away from gaming and towards other hobbies or interests.

It's important to note that while video game addiction can have negative effects, a 2021 study found that video games can serve as a promising resource to mitigate depressive and anxiolytic symptoms in the absence of, or in addition to, traditional therapy. Furthermore, a 2022 study found that gaming does not have a significant impact on mental wellbeing, positive or negative, unless participants played 10 hours or more than they typically would in a day.

Remember that seeking help is the first step to overcoming video game addiction. With the right support and strategies, it is possible to regain control over your gaming habits and live a balanced life.

References

[1]: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23124-video-game-addiction

‍[2]: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/video-gaming-addiction

‍[3]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5800139/

‍[4]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Videogameaddiction

‍[5]: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-video-game-addiction-22333

‍[6]: https://www.familyaddictionspecialist.com/blog/15-signs-my-child-has-a-video-game-addiction

‍[7]: https://www.familyaddictionspecialist.com/blog/video-games-mental-health-and-addiction-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly