Currently video game addiction is not a diagnosable disorder, however, it IS an increasing problem in society.
Recent studies found that 6 to 15 percent of all gamers show signs of addiction (Psychguides.com).
The use of video games has increased rapidly and become an incredibly popular form of entertainment (Prot, Anderson, Gentile, Brown, & Swing). The excessive amounts of time that gamers spend playing games is very disruptive to their everyday lives. And online games, specifically those for multiplayers, pose a bigger risk for addiction.
Rai Cornell lists a few symptoms of someone that is addicted to gaming. He states that an addicted person has difficulty in engaging in any other activities, as the urge to play increases to a point where the person feels “compelled” to play, and the possibility to resist becomes less. In many cases this addiction also has an influence on their physical and mental health and personal hygiene.
Symptoms show that Video Game Addiction is a Very Real Problem
Further, Cornell adds that a person addicted to video gaming can become irritable, anxious and miserable when he or she is unable to play their video games. The person addicted to video games may also experience the following symptoms:
- Drastic weight gain or weight loss;
- Issues with sleep patterns as video game addicts have huge sleep disruptions, even sleep deprivation;
- Drastic mood changes;
- Big changes in their social lives, avoidance of family and friends;
- Rather play games than turn up for meals;
- Poor work and academic performance;
- Aggressive behaviour.
Other problems arising from video game addiction include fatigue, pain and weakness. Any person that plays video games for a very long period of time, runs the risk of physical injury. Some of these injuries may include “video gamers thumb” and “nintendanitus”, also known as carpal tunnel syndrome, or bursitis (inflammation) – which can create long term issues with the hands and arms of the gamer.
Why do People Get Addicted to Video Games?
Cornell also discusses the influence of dopamine on the development of video game addiction disorder.
As a neurotransmitter, dopamine is a major role player in in the reward system of the brain; it also is a role player when it comes to problem-solving, attention and memory.
The hormone dopamine is released during pleasurable activities, for example eating, using drugs, and watching pornography. This heightened release of dopamine may be a factor that contributes to getting addicted to gaming, as well as making it difficult for the addict to stop this behaviour.
Video Games Addiction Treatment
Treatment for this addiction is the same as for other behaviour addictions. Counselling and behaviour modification techniques are some of the most effective strategies; basically there are three ways to address video gaming addiction:
- Individual counselling: Counselling can help the video gaming addict to address the various issues, and also help them to reduce their compulsions to play (Cornell).
- Behaviour modification techniques: These can help the video gaming addict to recognise what the trigger points are for them to engage in excessive gaming, and also to identify healthier alternatives (Cornell).
- Family Therapy: It is not a common occurrence for adults that are addicted to gaming to go into family therapy. However when the video game addict is a teenager or a child, family therapy is highly advisable. In this therapy the counsellor looks into the family structure and also the family dynamics. The treatment plans would include the whole family and not only the person that is addicted to video games (Techaddiction).
Whether is recognised as a “disorder” or not, video gaming addiction is a real problem for people of all ages, so it is certainly worth becoming more aware of the dangers and how we can help addicts to live a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Author: Corey Human, B Th (Hons), M Counselling, Dip Youth Work, Dip Youth Justice, Dip Couns, Dip Pentecostal Theology, Dip Ministry. Member of PACFA and CCAA.
Corey Human has nearly 20 years’ experience working with teenage boys and young men at risk or struggling with self esteem, video game addiction and other problems. He provides counselling to adolescents, adults, couples, parents and families in both English and Afrikaans.
To make an appointment try Online Booking. Alternatively, you can call M1 Psychology Brisbane on (07) 3067 9129
References:
- Cornell, Rai. Project Know, Understanding Addiction: How video Game Addiction Treatment centres can help Compulsive Gamers. http://www.projectknow.com/research/video-game-addiction/
- Prot, S., Anderson, C. A., Gentile, D. A., Brown, S., & Swing, E. L. (n.d.). The positive and negative effects of video game play. Retrieved from https://public.psych.iastate.edu/caa/abstracts/2010-2014/14PAGBS.pdf.
- Techaddiction. (n.d.). TECHADDICTION: Computer, Internet, & Video Game Addiction Treatment. Retrieved from http://www.techaddiction.ca/computer-game-addiction-treatment.html