Video games Addiction, Effects & Treatment

 Video Games Addiction, Effects & Treatment

    Video game addiction, also known as gaming disorder or internet gaming disorder, is a condition in which a person becomes excessively preoccupied with playing video games. This can lead to a disruption in daily functioning, including difficulties in socializing, school or work, and other areas of life.

            Symptoms of video game addiction can include:

•  Spending excessive amounts of time playing video games, to the point where it interferes with other aspects of life.

• Having difficulty controlling the impulse to play video games, despite wanting to cut back.

• Feeling irritable, anxious, or depressed when not playing video games.

• Neglecting school or work, or other responsibilities in favor of playing video games.

• Losing interest in other hobbies or forms of entertainment.

• Continuing to play video games despite negative consequences, such as problems with relationships, or physical health problems.

            It is important to note that while video game addiction can be a serious problem, it is still a relatively rare condition. Most people who play video games do so in a healthy and balanced way, and do not experience negative consequences as a result.

            Treatment for video game addiction typically involves therapy, which can help individuals understand the underlying causes of their addiction and develop coping strategies to manage it. These may include addressing underlying mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, or helping the individual build a more balanced and varied set of interests and activities.

            Medication may be prescribed if the person is struggling with underlying mental health disorders. However it should be noted that medication alone is not considered as a treatment for gaming disorder. Behavioral therapies are found to be more effective.