Has it gone too far? Video gaming addiction among teens.
It’s not a surprise - modern day video games are getting very interesting! More and more teens are picking up a strong interest in gaming, but what happens when it becomes more than just a hobby?
Is your teen become more isolated in their room? Are you noticing they rarely hang out with their friends in person anymore? Are they not sleeping well because of late night gaming? Your teen may be struggling with a video gaming addiction.
Video game addiction, also known as gaming disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by excessive and compulsive playing of video games. It is a relatively new phenomenon, but it has become a growing concern among mental health professionals, parents, and educators. Indeed, most therapists would agree that the teens they work with are excessively gaming.
Video game addiction is not yet recognized as a formal diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but it is classified as a “condition for further study.” Nevertheless, the World Health Organization (WHO) included gaming disorder in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as a recognized disorder.
Symptoms of video game addiction to look out for
The symptoms of video game addiction can vary widely between individuals, but they typically involve excessive and compulsive playing of video games that interfere with daily life activities or responsibilities. Some common symptoms include:
Preoccupation with video games, thinking about them constantly, even when not playing.
Compulsive playing, being unable to stop or reduce the amount of time spent playing.
Loss of interest in other activities, including social activities, hobbies, and responsibilities.
Continued gaming despite negative consequences, such as poor school performance, strained relationships, or physical health problems.
Withdrawal symptoms when not playing, such as irritability, anxiety, or depression.
Causes of video game addiction
The exact causes of video game addiction are not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to its development, including:
Neurobiological factors: Playing video games can activate the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. This can create a feeling of euphoria and increase the likelihood of continued play.
Environmental factors: Environmental factors, such as social isolation, stress, or boredom, may contribute to the development of video game addiction. Teens who are lonely, anxious, or depressed may turn to video games as a way to cope with negative emotions.
Personality traits: Certain personality traits, such as impulsivity, low self-esteem, and poor social skills, may increase the risk of developing video game addiction.
Game design: Game designers often use psychological tactics, such as rewards, achievements, and social comparison, to keep players engaged and motivated. These design elements can contribute to addiction by reinforcing the behavior of playing.
Treatment for video game addiction
Treating video game addiction can be challenging, as it often involves addressing underlying psychological and social issues. However, several approaches may be helpful in reducing excessive gaming and improving overall mental health.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It can be effective in treating video game addiction by helping individuals develop coping strategies, set achievable goals, and improve problem-solving skills.
Family therapy: Family therapy can be helpful in addressing the interpersonal dynamics that contribute to video game addiction, especially when the client is a teenager. It can help family members communicate effectively, set boundaries, and support each other in achieving shared goals.
Medication: Medication may be used to treat underlying mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that may contribute to video game addiction. However, medication alone is not typically sufficient in treating gaming disorder.
Self-help strategies: Individuals with video game addiction can also take steps to manage their symptoms on their own, such as:
Limiting the amount of time spent playing video games
Setting goals and prioritizing other activities
Seeking social support from friends and family
Engaging in physical exercise and other healthy activities
Preventing video game addiction
Preventing video game addiction involves developing healthy habits and setting appropriate boundaries around gaming. Parents can play an essential role in preventing video game addiction by setting limits on screen time, encouraging other activities, and monitoring their child's gaming behavior. Indeed, gaming addiction usually starts in an unstructured home environment or when there are already underlying strained relationships among family members.
Brookhaven Psychotherapy offers individual and family therapy options for gaming addiction among teens (and adults). Call for a free consultation.
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