Gaming addiction
For the first time, the World Health Organization (WHO), will list gaming addiction as a mental health condition. Gaming addiction is described as a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behavior so severe that it takes “precedence over other life interests”.
Abnormal gaming behavior should be evident for at least 12 months for a diagnosis to be given, but could be less if symptoms are severe. In the early day of video games, they were mostly available at arcades, not 24 hours a day in our homes. With the advancement of technology and the constant accessibility to a variety of video games, gaming addiction has become an increasing problem around the world.
Not all researchers agree that video gaming is a harmful or addictive activity. Many people, including parents, believe that video games expand the imagination, give children the opportunity to work collaboratively, and sharpen cognitive skills. Yet when young people spend most of their time playing video games at the expense of schoolwork, physical exercise, family events, or social activities, the benefits of gaming seem less certain.
- The person needs more and more of a substance or behavior to keep him going.
- If the person does not get more of the substance or behavior, he becomes irritable and miserable.
Compulsive gaming can often meet these criteria, and many health professionals have seen severe withdrawal symptoms in game addicts. “They become angry, violent, or depressed. If [parents] take away the computer, their child sits in the corner and cries, refuses to eat, sleep, or do anything” says Kimberly Young, clinical directer of the Center for On-Line Addiction.
Some of the concerns for gaming addiction include:
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Lack of social engagement
- Problems with concentration and attention
- Avoidance of developmental tasks
- Increased aggression or violence
- Seizures and repetitive stress injuries
Some of the Symptoms include:
- impaired control over gaming (frequency, intensity, duration)
- increased priority given to gaming
- continuation or escalation of gaming despite negative consequences
- Playing for increasing amounts of time
- Thinking about gaming during other activities
- Gaming to escape from real-life problems, anxiety, or depression
- Lying to friends and family to conceal gaming
- Feeling irritable when trying to cut down on gaming
If you suspect your child may have an addiction to gaming, take the issue seriously and reach out for help if necessary.
