Effects of Video Game Addiction: Recognizing the Impacts
Author:
Jonathan
Published:
Jul 18, 2024
,
04:46 p.m.
ET
Updated:
Sep 23, 2024
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02:19 p.m.
ET
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized gaming disorder as an official diagnosis. The condition was added to the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), according to UnityPoint Health. Healthcare and mental health providers can offer care and treatment for this behavioral addiction.
Video game addiction isn’t as recognizable as drug and alcohol addiction. Most symptoms aren’t as obvious as spending hours playing video games. Some individuals might hide their habit due to guilt or shame.
Experts have compared the effects of video game addiction to alcoholism. Some individuals who play video games for hours don’t always have an addiction. This guide will provide in-depth information about gaming disorder. You’ll learn to recognize the impacts and warning signs. Plus, you’ll learn about the treatment options for this condition.
What is Gaming Disorder? How is it diagnosed?
According to the World Health Organization, gaming disorder is described as an increased preoccupation with gaming in which it overrides other obligations and responsibilities. The individual becomes so consumed with gaming that it ruins every aspect of someone’s life.
Between 1.7% and 10% of the U.S. population is impacted by video game addiction, according to previous research. The reason behind this large span is researchers have varying opinions on the diagnostic criteria for internet game disorder, which is what gaming disorder falls under.
To receive a formal diagnosis, the behavior must be so severe that it could cause emotional, mental, family, educational, social, and occupational impairment. The pattern of abuse would also have to happen within the past 12 months. Your healthcare provider may refer you to a mental health professional.
A psychologist or psychiatrist must use the DSM-5 to diagnose the disorder. You will be assessed on your family history, medical, and mental health history, including your gaming activities. Your gaming history must be so severe that it results in negative outcomes in your family, educational, occupational, personal, or social functioning.
Recent studies showed that gaming disorder affects a small fraction of individuals engaged in digital or video game content. People who play video games can set limits or time spent on those activities. They should also be aware of their psychological or physical health during and after.
More research is needed to determine the cause behind video game addiction. Some experts believe it’s from the dopamine release people get from playing. Dopamine offers euphoria, joy, reward, and motivation.
Effects & impacts of video game addiction
Video game addiction is a severe mental health disorder. However, excessive video game use has been normalized in society. Video game addiction comes with mental, emotional, and physical downsides. It’s important to raise awareness of the effects and impacts. This can motivate you and your loved ones to seek treatment, if necessary.
Effects of Video Games on Children
It’s important to note the effects of video games on children. An increase in video games also increases the exposure to violence in the media. Researchers found that children are more prone to aggressive behavior, frequent nightmares, and desensitization to violence, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Parents need to monitor their children's video game habits for the appropriateness of content and length of time.
Effects of Video Games on Adults
Video games seem harmless at first. But the effects shouldn’t be taken lightly. There are physical and mental effects some adults feel. Some of these effects fly under the radar and aren’t easy to detect.
There are short-term and long-term physical effects from excessive video game use. Experts at Frontiers in Psychology found that staring at screens and excessive screening can cause eye strain, headaches, insomnia, overuse injuries, poor hygiene, and weight gain.
As the individual increases time spent on video games, the short-term effects can turn into long-term problems. Some of those problems include:
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Chronic headaches
Gamer’s thumb
Migraines
Obesity
Tennis elbow
Impacts of Video Game Addiction
Video game addiction comes with long-term physical and mental effects. Some of those effects can include:
Heightened anxiety
Prolonged depression
Isolation from friends and family
Co-occurring mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression
Difficulty concentrating
Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
It can also lead to other co-occurring mental health problems, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD), insomnia, and emotional distress. Financial stress and relationship issues are also common signs of video game addiction.
Warning signs of a gaming disorder
Video game addiction isn’t the cause of one event. It’s the result of signs and symptoms that affect the individual’s emotional, mental, physical, and psychological state. Be aware of these signs as soon as possible to kickstart recovery.
The psychological factors of video game addiction are a combination of cognitive, emotional, and mental health symptoms. The most common signs and symptoms included the following:
Struggle with anxiety or depression. Video games can provide an escape from daily life, which can lead to increased feelings of anxiety or depression.
Decreased interest in previous hobbies or activities. Video games become the overriding focus of the individual’s life.
Extreme mood swings. The individual might experience mood swings and withdrawals such as frustration or irritability when not playing video games.
Preoccupation with gaming. The individual might be so consumed with video games that they plan their next session or think about the next opportunity to play.
How much playing video games is too much?
There’s no required limit for playing video games. Some experts claim excessive use can lead to serious mental health problems. An Oxford study found that over 21 hours of video gaming per week can negatively impact one’s emotional and mental health, according to GameAware.
Another study from the University of Queensland found that playing video games consecutively for over three hours can also cause mental and physical problems. Just like with everything else, video games should be used in moderation. Fifteen to 20 hours every week is headed into overuse territory. That could hurt one’s well-being and lifestyle.
However, that doesn’t necessarily suggest someone is struggling with gaming disorder. This mental health disorder is complex in that it’s more about what video games do to an individual’s mind. Excessive use of video games can desensitize the brain to dopamine. They will increase the use of the activity to get those feelings back. Some individuals might also use video games to escape daily life, stress, and pressures.
How is video game addiction treated?
The most common treatment for video game addiction is psychotherapy. It’s the term used for various treatments and therapies that help the individual recognize their behavioral patterns, emotions, feelings, and thought patterns. A licensed mental health professional can offer educational resources, guidance, and support for individuals and loved ones.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used for video game addiction. This allows the individual to understand their emotions, thoughts, and triggers. They’ll also understand how their feelings and thoughts cause your behaviors. The clinician will help the individual unravel those obsessive and negative thoughts and learn healthier habits.
Group therapy is also offered. This type of therapy is done in a group setting and allows people to share their experiences with a therapist or psychologist. This is helpful for those who need motivation and support with video game addiction. Family and couples counseling might also be offered. This educates loved ones and partners to understand the disorder and repair their broken relationship.
Birches Health offers treatment for video game addiction within a virtual format. Treatment starts with an assessment, in which the individual receives an official diagnosis from a licensed clinician. A combination of treatments is offered for the individual’s specific matter.
Treatment for gambling disorder involves one of the following steps with Birches Health:
You can also just call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to connect with the Birches team right away.
Sources:
Video Game Addiction: Signs, Effects and Treatment
Addictive behaviours: Gaming disorder
