Video Game Addiction
Video game addiction is the irrational need to spend time playing. It is a disorder that causes severe alterations in physical and mental health.
Symptoms and Causes
Video game addiction is a type of gambling disorder associated with an uncontrollable need to engage in online or technological games. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized it in 2018 as a disease included within addictive disorders.
Although it is more frequent in children and adolescents, video game addiction affects individuals of all ages. It is a continuously growing pathology that, although it does not involve substance use, produces highly harmful effects on physical and mental health.
The prognosis of video game addiction is favorable when it is detected early and a personalized treatment plan is followed with a specialized therapist. In such cases, patients are able to regain their lives without major complications. However, if the disorder develops over a prolonged period, which may extend for several years, it can cause severe deterioration in interpersonal relationships and occupational or academic performance, in addition to modifying brain structures and altering cognitive function.
Symptoms
The symptoms of video game addiction may vary depending on the individual. The most common are:
- Excessive preoccupation with video games, which become the main activity of the day.
- Anxiety related to playing.
- Continued use of video games despite awareness of the risks.
- Tolerance: increasing amounts of time spent playing are required to achieve satisfaction.
- Neglect of occupational, social, or academic responsibilities.
- Behavioral changes: disruptive behaviors emerge.
- Alteration of sleep patterns.
- Deception of family members and therapists regarding time spent playing.
- Use of video games to escape from reality and alleviate negative emotions.
- Loss of interest in previously rewarding activities.
- Deterioration of personal relationships.
- Social isolation.
- Unsuccessful attempts to quit or reduce playing time.
Causes
Video game addiction results from a combination of factors of different natures:
- Psychological causes:
- Gaming serves as a means of escape from problems, as it provides immediate, although temporary, relief.
- Video games are designed to be rewarding. Each time a level is completed or rewards are obtained, the brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure.
- Self-esteem improves when positive results are achieved.
- Social causes:
- Online games create a community that fosters a sense of belonging, even though the relationship originating in the video game is not real.
- Peer pressure may lead individuals to remain up to date in the game to avoid isolation.
- Biological causes:
- Activation of the brain’s reward system reinforces the behavior, leading to a cycle that is difficult to interrupt.
- A genetic predisposition is believed to increase the risk of developing the addiction.
Risk Factors
The risk of video game addiction increases in the following cases:
- Age: more frequent between 18 and 25 years.
- Sex: males have a higher predisposition.
- Previous mental health disorders (anxiety, depression, impulsive behaviors).
- Low self-esteem.
- Poor social skills.
- Excessive interest in new technologies.
- Dysfunctional family environment.
- Lack of parental limits.
- Easy access to a computer, video game console, or mobile phone.
Complications
Patients with video game addiction may develop other disorders in the medium and long term. The most significant are:
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Irritability.
- Marked mood swings.
- Insomnia.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Headache.
- Visual disturbances.
- Tendinitis.
- Obesity.
Prevention
To prevent video game addiction, the following guidelines are recommended, especially in households with children and adolescents:
- Establish specific days and a fixed schedule for playing. It is important that this rule be followed without exceptions, as exceptions may become routine.
- Supervise the time children spend playing, as well as the type of video games they use, to avoid the most addictive ones.
- Encourage other hobbies, such as reading or sports.
- Organize family and outdoor activities.
- Maintain open family communication, fostering trust so that children feel they can discuss any topic with their parents.
In preventing this addiction, it is important to understand the addictive potential of different types of video games in order to determine which should be more strictly avoided:
- Classic video games: lower risk. They are designed for a single player and without an internet connection; once completed, they are considered finished.
- Online video games: since they allow interaction with thousands of individuals from different parts of the world and offer virtually unlimited possibilities, the risk of addiction is higher. Experience helps improve skills and ranking, which acts as an incentive to continue playing.
- Online video games with a gambling component: the most dangerous. In addition to sharing the game with others, players may obtain rewards that randomly alter game conditions and can be used at any time during gameplay.
What medical specialist treats video game addiction?
Video game addiction is managed within the specialty of Clinical psychology.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of video game addiction is based on the assessment of symptoms and the personal and family history of psychological disorders. Typically, the patient attends consultation believing they do not have a problem, as a loved one has identified warning signs.
During the psychopathological evaluation, personal interviews are conducted and a series of tests are administered to determine the level of addiction and to understand the factors that have contributed to its development.
Treatment
Treatment of video game addiction begins by helping the patient understand that a problem exists. It is not recommended to initiate therapy before acknowledgment, as patient predisposition is essential to achieving therapeutic objectives.
Therapy usually includes the following phases, although it is tailored to each patient:
- Digital detoxification: a period of abstinence from video games and, preferably, from the internet in general, in order to break the addiction cycle. During this period, withdrawal syndrome must be addressed.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: focuses on understanding the reasons underlying the development of the addiction and acquiring the necessary tools to manage it. The objective is for the patient to learn time management, problem-solving skills, and autonomous decision-making consistent with their needs. During sessions, alternative leisure activities are identified to replace time previously devoted to gaming.
- Relapse prevention: as with any addiction, returning to gaming is common during treatment. To minimize this risk, various strategies are developed to manage cravings. In this way, a healthy relationship with video games can be achieved without necessarily eliminating them entirely.
- Family therapy: support from the immediate environment and loved ones is crucial in these cases. Family members must gain a thorough understanding of the addiction and learn how to act during the different phases of the process to facilitate the patient’s recovery.
