Video Game Addiction
Last updated date : August 05, 2021
Gaming in Australia
It is thought that over 90% of Australian households have a gaming device, and there are as many different types of gamers as there are games. People game for all kinds of reasons; a lot of it is social, collaborative, helps manage stress and aids learning. With the advent of mobile gaming, gamers can play anywhere. For a small percentage however gaming can become all-consuming, a pivotal focus that takes away from other aspects of life. Concerns have been raised for this small fraction of gamers. In this article, we will explore gaming, its impacts and the new potential diagnosis of Internet Gaming Disorder
History of gaming
Electronic games have come a long way since the 1990s. The resolution of screens, improvement in computer processing power and faster internet connections have changed the landscape of gaming. Today it is possible to play a highly customizable game, with cinematic graphics against someone halfway around the world with no noticeable lag time. The popularity of games has also increased. Millions of people await new releases of games, watch others play online using streaming services and partake in busy online chat forums. Over time the gaming genre has also increased. Now there are sports games, fighting, shooting, strategy and puzzle-solving games available. Some longer-term games create a sense of community; there is character development, status and wealth attainment inside an online realm. Game developers are increasingly creating for certain age cohorts; for instance ‘G’ are games open for all, ‘9+’ games are not suitable for children younger than 9 years, whilst ‘M’ means mature audience only.
Healthy gaming and wellbeing
A few studies have shown that regular moderate gameplay is associated with a better sense of wellbeing compared to others. How could we explain this?
Psychologists think of Kleptomania as being associated with poor urge control. There are some conditions researchers notes overlap in presentations with
When gaming becomes a problem
It is only a small cohort of people who have trouble balancing gaming with other aspects of life. Some people struggle to balance other responsibilities; study, sleep and family commitments with their gaming. Given that gaming is so popular, even if only a small percentage of people have trouble with it. There could be a large total number of people affected. Increasingly Asian and Western countries are researching, implementing curfews and trying other strategies to address problematic gaming.
What is Internet Gaming Disorder?
It’s a new term or potential diagnosis. What the American Association of Psychiatrists has proposed is that for the diagnosis to be considered the video play must cause clinically significant impairment. Other criteria they suggest looking for include:
- Preoccupation with games: The individual thinks about previous gaming activity or anticipates playing the next game; gaming becomes the dominant activity in daily life;
- Withdrawal symptoms when gaming is taken away: These symptoms are typically described as irritability, anxiety, or sadness;
- Tolerance: The need to spend increasing amounts of time engaged in games;
- Unsuccessful attempts to control or reduce participation in games;
- Loss of interest in real-life relationships, previous hobbies, and other entertainment as a result of, and with the exception of, games;
- Continued excessive use of games despite knowledge of psychosocial problems;
- Has deceived family members, therapists, or others regarding the amount of gaming;
- Use of games to escape or relieve a negative mood (eg, feelings of helplessness, guilt, or anxiety); and
- Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of participation in games.
The research and degree of evaluation of Internet Gaming Disorder as an illness are still in progress. The findings so far, suggest that it is a problem and causes distress for those affected and their families.
How common is problematic gaming?
The numbers are quite varied and what makes it harder to interpret is that there are still no strict guidelines around diagnosis or formally agreed upon illness criteria. What the numbers suggest is that problematic gaming is more common in adolescents than adults, males than females.
What are some of the negative consequences of internet gaming?
For most, gaming is a positive experience. However, for some who game excessively, it can cause troubles including:
Screen time guides
Prolonged periods spent sitting isn’t good for your overall health. The Australian Government Department of Health has Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour guidelines. These guides suggest:
These limits are becoming less and less applicable as we are spending more and more time in front of screens. COVID19 and the push to work from home, hasn’t helped. These guides will need to evolve with time. But the overall message is clear that screen time needs to be limited and broken up into smaller parts across the day.
When to speak to a doctor or psychologist about problematic gaming?
Internet gaming disorder is a new concept that mental health professionals and GPs are increasingly seeing in their work. If there are some of the negative consequences described above or other functional impacts then the input should be sought.
What is your doctor likely to want to know?
Most often it is a parent, partner or significant other that raises concerns about the degree of gaming. The person gaming or a loved one can ask for help. Your GP or psychologist may want to know:
Suggestions to help
It is important to follow the directions of your doctor or therapist. Given that problematic gaming has only recently been considered a disorder, there are no clear treatment guidelines.
Here are some thoughts on what can help:
Problematic gaming is a concern, especially as it can have a wide range of impacts on a large number of people. At Epsychiatry we have psychologists who can help. Contact our friendly support team, you can reach us via webchat, social media, email or phone.