Internet Gaming Addiction: Fact or Fiction?

There has been quite a bit of controversial press regarding internet game addiction. More research is showing that people can become addicted to digital gaming.  The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined Gaming Disorder in the draft revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11),  Here is a link to WHO Gaming Disorder on the World Health Organization website.   WHO states  "for gaming disorder to be diagnosed, the behaviour pattern must be of sufficient severity to result in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning and would normally have been evident for at least 12 months."  

 The DSM-5 (diagnostic manual for psychiatrists) was unveiled in May 2013 and it has Internet Gaming Disorder as a condition that requires more research, before it can be added as a disorder that can be diagnosed.  Here is a link to Internet Gaming Disorder on the DSM-5 website.  If more research is done, this condition may very well become a diagnosis in the next revision of the DSM.     

Some professionals in the field feel that internet game addiction is a fad and not a real phenomenon.  Having worked with adolescents and young adults, I have seen my share of internet use issues. Some were just issues and were easily remedied, others were fitting an addictive pattern of behavior.  If  this was a  condition with a diagnosis, professionals working with this population would be using it as a primary or secondary diagnosis.

When the use of internet games starts to seriously impede your life functioning, you have a problem in this area.  Some people report playing digital games as a stress reliever, a way to unwind at the end of a work/school day, or a way to escape from their life and the reality they face every day. Some people enjoy the fantasy world much more than reality. Some symptoms of gaming addiction include; declining grades (students), increased gaming in the face of negative consequences, focusing on gaming and not other activities you enjoy, lying about game use and feeling anxious when unable to play.  There is usually an underlying issue as to why you are using internet games so frequently.    

Here are some things you can do if you or a loved one is spending too much time gaming:

1. Recognition:  Recognizing this is a problem.  If you do not realize that this is impeding your life functioning, you will not be able to move forward and may continue down the path of a gaming disorder.
2. Insight:  Address underlying issues so that you will be less likely to relapse when you stop gaming. 
3. Triggers:  Figure out your triggers and if there is a pattern to your gaming.  If so, develop a plan around those times/issues to help you continue with stopping or a decrease in gaming. 
4.  Increase coping strategies:  Find other ways to alleviate stress, anxiety, depression etc.  Start an exercise program, meditate or sign up for some type of lesson/class.
5. Stopping Use:  Some people find it difficult to completely stop use right away.  If abstinence is not working, continue to play video games but in moderation.  Set up a schedule of specific times you can game. Each week decrease the amount of time gaming as you increase coping strategies.
6. Support System:  Increase your support system and reach out to those in your support system. Participating in a hobby is a good way to meet people and increase your support system.  Volunteering is a way to give back and meet people you may not ordinarily meet.

If you find that stopping digital gaming is an overwhelming and daunting task, seek professional help.  A psychologist or mental health professional can assist you with a treatment plan, provide support and address underlying mental health issues. 

Disclaimer:  This blog is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a replacement for treatment or therapy.   

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