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Changing a behavior is one of the hardest things to do. When your behaviors start to have a negative impact on your life, it might be time to get help. Here we explain what video game addiction is and what you can do about it.
What is video game addiction?
Video game addiction, also known as gaming addiction, is a condition where a person has extreme difficulty stopping or limiting their video game use. Someone addicted to video games continues to play excessively even when it has negative consequences.
Is video game addiction a diagnosis?
Video game addiction is not an official medical diagnosis according to the diagnostic references such as DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) or ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases), but it is a topic that has received recent attention in research and healthcare. Whether it is a diagnosis or not, video game addiction is a problem behavior that can be addressed through therapy.
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Causes of video game addiction
Video game addiction is often caused by a mixture of biological, psychological, and social factors. Emotions such as loneliness, depression, or anxiety can lead people to use games as an escape from reality. The games themselves are designed to be addictive, stimulating the brain’s reward system and offering immediate gratification. Factors such as impulsivity and poor stress management also may play a role, and some research indicates that there may be a genetic predisposition to addictive behaviors. Overall, gaming addiction is a complex issue that varies from person to person.
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Symptoms of video game addiction
Video game addiction is characterized by several symptoms that can vary in intensity and combination between individuals. These include spending an excessive amount of time gaming, often at the expense of sleep, work and study. Individuals may lose interest in other activities that were previously important to them and use gambling as a way of coping with negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, or depression. Gaming can cause conflicts in relationships with family and friends, and individuals may start to lie about or hide how much time they spend gaming.
Individuals may have difficulty controlling or reducing their gambling, even when it clearly affects their work, studies, or health. Psychological withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritation, or sadness may occur when they are unable to access video games. Despite these negative consequences, the addicted individuals continue to play, indicating a serious problem that may require professional help.
Children and teenagers
Children and teenagers with a video game addiction can interrupt critical periods of psychological, social, and emotional development. Excessive gaming can limiting their ability to develop social skills and engage in problem solving or creative thinking.
A video game addiction can lead to neglected schoolwork, reduced concentration, and poorer grades. Children and teenagers who play video games excessively are at risk of physical issues such as poor posture, vision problems, and obesity. Mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem are also higher in populations with video game addictions.
Sleep disorders are common in children and adolescents who play games late at night, affecting their health and well-being. Moreover, an excessive focus on gaming can lead to social isolation if gamers prefer it to interacting with family and friends. The role of parents is crucial in monitoring their children’s gaming and encouraging a healthy balance between gaming, physical activity, social interaction, and other responsibilities.
In severe cases, professional help, such as therapy or support groups specialized in children and adolescents, may be necessary to address the gaming addiction. A balanced approach to gaming that incorporates clear boundaries and alternative activities is important to promote healthy development.
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Treatment for video game addiction
Treatment for video game addiction is often multifaceted and individualized, as it can vary depending on the individual’s specific situation and needs. Here are some of the most common treatment methods:
- Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common form of treatment used to help individuals understand and change their behavior and thought patterns around gambling. The therapy may also focus on addressing underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, or social difficulties.
- Family therapy: Because family dynamics are often affected by a person’s gambling addiction, family therapy can be an important part of treatment. This helps family members understand the problem and how they can support a loved one.
- Support groups and self-help groups: Groups that follow the 12-step program or other similar support groups can provide social support and advice from others who have similar experiences.
- Medical treatment: In some cases, medication can be used to treat underlying mental health conditions that may be contributing to the gambling addiction, such as anxiety or depression.
- Digital detox and restrictions: Taking a break from digital devices or strictly limiting use may be necessary to break the cycle of addiction. This may include removing games from devices or using software to limit access to games.
- Lifestyle changes: Encourage a healthy lifestyle with regular physical activity, a healthy diet, good sleep hygiene and social interaction outside the gaming world.
- Education and awareness: Education about the negative consequences of excessive gaming and strategies to manage the urge to game can be an important part of treatment.
- Professional help: In some cases, it may be necessary to seek help from a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other health professional who specializes in treating addictions.
It is important to remember that treatment can take time and requires commitment from the individual. Recognizing the problem and seeking help is the first step towards recovery.
Treatment with CBT online
It is possible to get therapy for a video game addiction online. At Lavendla, we have licensed psychologists and CBT therapists who can help you with treatment.
From conversation to understanding and change
Talk therapy is often the first step in seeking help. By working with a psychologist or therapist, you can begin to understand your symptoms and triggers, which is essential for long-term change.
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Book an initial session with a psychologist or therapist today via our website. Lavendla wants to help you by making the hard things easier.
12 common questions and answers about video game addiction
What is video game addiction?
Video game addiction, also known as gaming addiction, is a condition where a person develops an addiction to video games. This means that the person has difficulty controlling their gaming and continues to play even though it has negative consequences in different areas of life.
Is video game addiction a disease?
Video game addiction is not an official medical diagnosis, but regardless of whether it is a diagnosis or not, it can be a problem behavior for which you may need to seek help.
Can video game addiction be cured?
Any type of addiction can be treated, but it often requires care and support. It is possible to change your patterns and improve your quality of life with treatment.
What are the signs that I may be addicted to video games?
The signs of video game addiction are that people find it difficult to control their gaming and continue to play despite the negative impact on different areas of their lives.
What are the risks of video game addiction?
The potential risks include poor physical health, decreased attention to work or school, and relationship problems. Mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and other conditions can worsen because of a video game addiction.
How can I help a family member who is addicted to video games?
The first step is to offer your support, encourage them to seek professional help and stand by them during treatment. Seek information about the problem if you find it difficult to understand. If you are the parent of a child or teenager you may need more support in establishing limits and consequences.
What treatment options are available?
There are several different types of treatment such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, creative-based therapies, and others.
Can you have other mental health problems at the same time as being addicted to video games?
Individuals with video game addictions may have additional or underlying mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem and loneliness.
What can be done in case of relapse?
Relapse can happen and it is important to seek help immediately. The most important thing to remember about relapse is that it is important to act quickly and remain accountable to get back on track.
What resources are available?
Beyond our professional therapists and psychologists, there are many websites, books, and support groups that can offer additional information and support for video game addiction.
Can video game addiction be treated online?
Yes, all of our therapists and psychologists offer sessions via our secure video conferencing platform.
How important is the support system around a person with video game addiction?
A support system is usually crucial for a successful recovery. This includes professional help as well as a good support system. It can help reduce the risk of relapse and help the person maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Treatment steps to improve quality of life
Treatment for video game addiction often involves a combination of therapeutic strategies, support, and medical interventions tailored to the individual’s specific needs and situation. Here is a description of what a typical treatment process might look like:
- Evaluation and diagnosis: Treatment usually begins with a comprehensive evaluation by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other qualified health professional. This step aims to understand the extent of the addiction, identify any co-occurring mental health conditions, and assess the individual’s overall physical and mental health.
- Individual therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common method of treating video game addiction. Through CBT, the individual learns to recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that are linked to their addiction. The therapist can work to address underlying causes of the addiction, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or low self-esteem.
- Family therapy and counseling: As family dynamics are often affected, family therapy can be part of the treatment. This helps the family to understand the addiction and how they can support the affected person. The family also learns how to manage conflict and improve communication.
- Support groups and community: Participation in support groups such as Gamers Anonymous or other self-help groups can offer additional support. Sharing experiences and strategies with others who have similar problems can be very helpful.
- Digital detox and behavioral changes: It may be recommended that the individual take a “digital detox”, which means a break from all digital devices for a certain period. During this time, the individual learns to find and engage in other activities outside the digital space.
- Lifestyle changes: Encouraging and establishing a healthy lifestyle is important. This includes establishing a routine of balanced diet, regular exercise, good sleep hygiene and social activities.
- Medical treatment: If there are concurrent mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, medical treatment can be prescribed by a doctor.
- Follow-up and relapse prevention: After completing initial treatment, regular follow-up is important to prevent relapse. The therapist can continue to work with the individual to reinforce the skills learned during treatment and help them deal with challenges that arise.
It is important to remember that each individual is unique and treatment should be tailored to their specific needs. Treatment can take different amounts of time depending on the severity of the addiction and the individual’s commitment to the treatment process.
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