Although the “official” diagnosis of gaming disorder remains controversial, addiction-like behaviors with computer, video, and Internet gaming have increased significantly among both adolescents and adults.

Anecdotal reports from doctors’ offices and addiction centers across the country have caused great concern. However, the issue of gaming addiction, and even the coupling of these two words into an absolutely recognizable disorder, remains divisive.

So is video game addiction a real problem, or just another example of our moral panic being meticulously abandoned on another target?

dig deeper

Critics of the so-called pathogenization of video game use argue, among other things, that the harms caused by excessive video games are of an order of magnitude less than other recognized addictions. Suppose drugs and alcohol have the power to destroy lives, what harm would you spend a few hours in front of your computer or TV at night?

Although valid, these arguments misunderstand the points made by advocates for those with gaming disorder.

• Responsible organizations should not and should not frame  all  games as problematic. Hundreds of millions of people, young and old, enjoy playing in moderation. In fact, although gaming disorder is an emerging diagnosis, so estimates of excellence still vary, 1.4% of all gamers worldwide suffer from true gaming addiction.
• Accepting that the severity of one addiction may be greater than another should not lead us to underestimate what we consider “lower.” Respected institutions conduct studies and surveys designed to measure the relative harm of different drugs in relation to each other. However, we do not interpret this as evidence that addiction to supposedly less harmful substances should be ignored and underestimated.

So what is gaming disorder?

In short, video game addiction refers to compulsive gaming behavior that persists despite serious adverse effects on an individual’s physical, mental or social well-being.

Compulsive gaming may arise for a variety of reasons, many of which are not yet fully understood. Affected individuals appear to be much more likely than the general population to develop depression, anxiety, or ADHD.

Excessive play in general does not appear overnight. The escalated use of video games often occurs as individuals become more immersed in the escape offered by their new digital reality.

Players may also look for longer and more intense gaming experiences to feel the same excitement or fun as when they first started. This may develop when individuals develop a tolerance to the “impulsivity” of competition.

Many parents worried about gaming disorder have reported noticing aggression, anger, hyperactivity, anxiety, and irritability in their children, along with other behavioral problems.

Signs of problematic gaming in adults may be more subtle, but they have been known to include social withdrawal, insomnia, and neglect of other purposeful activities.

Troubleshooting (list of symptoms)

Like any addictive behavior, there are signs to look out for if you suspect your teen might have a gaming addiction. Your teen needs to show only two or three of these symptoms for his behavior to be considered an “addiction.”

• • busy

A person who is addicted to a computer, video, or Internet game often shows an unusual preoccupation with the game or computer when away from it. Your teen may seem distracted, irritable, or uninterested and may talk about the game almost constantly.

• • Underestimate the importance of computer use

It is common for a person with addictive computer-related behaviors to reduce the amount of time they spend in front of the television or computer. The person may make excuses, saying they “need” to be online, or they may lie outright.

• • lack of control

A person who is addicted or at risk of becoming addicted to games cannot control the amount of time they spend on the computer. He/she may come online with the intention of spending 15 or 20 minutes, but will continue to extend the time until several hours have passed.

• • Loss of time

Along the same lines, a person may sit at their computer, again with the intention of spending only a few minutes, but loses time completely and suddenly discovers that several hours have passed. It’s not unusual for someone who is addicted to games at night and only realizes how much time has passed when the sun starts to set.

• • Negative impact on other areas of life

Since a person spends a lot of time at the computer or video game console, other areas of life are neglected. He may become distant from friends and family who were close before. Homework may pass incomplete, causing grades to slip. In more serious cases, a teen may neglect personal hygiene, choosing to play video games rather than take a shower.

• • Hiding from negative or uncomfortable feelings or situations

Some people become addicted to games because they use them to treat themselves. When faced with uncomfortable situations or feelings (feeling sad, arguing with a friend, or getting a bad grade), the person may “hide” in the game as a means of evasion.

• • defensive

When confronted or asked about time spent playing, a person may become defensive. Denial is often an indication that something is wrong, especially if the person seems unconcerned that friends and family are feeling neglected or excluded from their life.

• • misuse of money

A person who is addicted to video games, computer, or the Internet will spend a disproportionate amount of money on computer-related items. It seems that the person is constantly upgrading hardware, software packages, and accessories. This becomes an even bigger problem if a person spends money that should be used for bills, groceries, and other necessities.

• • mixed feelings

As with any addiction, the use of “substance” — in this case, the video game — initially causes feelings of euphoria, but this euphoria is soon followed by guilt. They may feel guilty about either what the person does while online or simply the amount of time they spend at the computer.

Although this list is not exhaustive, it does provide warning signs for parents, friends, and other family members to look out for if they are concerned about someone using video, computer, or Internet gaming. This list can also be used as a self-diagnostic tool for those who think they may have a problem.

changing times

While the body of evidence supporting the idea of ​​video game addiction has accumulated over the years, the lack of an official diagnosis has alarmed activists and health professionals alike.

Therefore, the decision of the World Health Organization to include gaming disorder in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) represents a very important progress.

The decision, which is based on ongoing reviews of the evidence and expert consensus, represents a major step in legitimizing a disorder that has silently affected the lives of millions.

In fact, about 70% of Americans (more than 200 million people) now enjoy video games in one form or another. These people range from the most casual smartphone gamers to those with the most advanced consoles and specialized computing technology.

While researchers have made various estimates of the onset of gaming disorder, it should be remembered that even 1-2% of a group of hundreds of millions of gamers worldwide still represent millions of negatively affected people.

Treating individuals for their gaming issues may help address underlying issues with depression and anxiety, if they are already apparent. Using evidence-based treatment to address the problem as soon as possible is vital if the person is to recover and regain their life.