Mental and Physical Effects of Video Game Addiction

Video games are an extremely popular hobby for a lot of people. Whether it be games played on a personal computer (PC) or consoles like PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch, gaming is a huge part of American culture. The biggest demographic are ages 18+, which comprise 76% of U.S. gamers.

While video games can be a healthy source of socializing with friends and entertainment, there are also negative consequences of playing video games for too long. Video game addiction is real and can be compared to alcoholism. Not everyone who drinks alcohol is an alcoholic, and not everyone who plays video games is a video game addict (Unity Health). However, according to Addiction Help, video game addiction is said to affect between 1.7%-10% of all Americans. Mental and physical effects from video game addiction are serious and need to be recognized.

Short-Term Physical Effects

Short term physical effects of a video game addiction include:

Hunger
Fatigue
Missing out on social events with friends and family
Eye strain
Neck and back problems

Long-Term Physical Effects

Some long-term physical effects include:

Sleep disorders
Health related issues due to their poor diet
Repetitive stress or overuse injuries from playing too many games (i.e, carpal tunnel syndrome)
Obesity
Weakness or numbness in the hands
Blood clots

Mental/Psychological Effects of Video Game Addiction

Violent games are a very popular genre of video games. When playing video games, the brain processes scenarios as if they are real. Therefore, when a character is in perceived danger within the game, the player’s brain is in “fight-or-flight” because of intense and violent exposure. According to Mayo Clinic Health, excessive video game use can lead to the brain being in a constant state of hyperarousal. This can lead to difficulties paying attention, managing emotions, controlling impulses, following directions, and tolerating frustration (Mayo Clinic). Hyperarousal also can lead to struggles with compassion and creativity as well as a decreased interest in learning.

Overuse of video games is associated with negative mental health outcomes such as anxiety and depression. Other mental health effects include low self-esteem and low self-efficacy per Family Addiction Specialist.

What are the Effects of Video Games on Children?

Video game playing starts at a very early age in the United States. Video games can have positive benefits on children’s brains such as improving cognitive function like memory, attention and decision-making skills. Problem-solving and strategy skills can be developed while playing console or PC games.

However, it is important to understand that there are negative effects of video games on children. Children’s exposure to video games, especially violent ones, put them at a significant risk for aggressive behavior, desensitization to violence and nightmares per Unity Point. This could lead to poor mental health outcomes for children down the road.

How to Treat Video Game Addiction

There are some options for treatment when dealing with video game addiction. The main treatment option for video game addiction is psychotherapy (talk therapy). Psychotherapy aims to identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts and behaviors, per Cleveland Clinic. A mental health specialist can provide guidance and support to help one through their troubling addiction.

Specific types of psychotherapy include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in which addicts will understand how their thoughts affect their actions. Another type of psychotherapy is group therapy where people will gather to discuss their problems. This motivates and provides moral support for those struggling.

Gaming Addiction help and resources

If you or someone you know has a gaming problem, there are specialized resources available to help. Birches Health believes cost should not get in the way of receiving treatment from some of the best specialists in the nation. For affordable, personal and confidential treatment email hello@bircheshealth.com.