Video games come in all forms, from shooters to simulators. Regardless of the type played, people enjoy video games just as they would with essentially any other hobby. However, some fear that some individuals may go a little too far, ending up becoming addicted and ruining their lives solely because of a video game. However, is there such a thing as video game addiction? If so, what counts as addiction? These are the questions we are going to answer in this article.
While addiction to video games is still up for debate, there has been plenty of evidence pointing out that playing games too much can lead to various problems. For example, individuals who play just too many video games can end up falling short at work, school, or even life. Regardless, the WHO (World Health Organization) added the term "gaming disorder" into its medical reference book back in 2018. Whether or not we agree that video game addiction is a thing, it can be a serious problem.
Gaming disorder is classified as a mental disorder, and in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), professionals make clear the warning signs that may indicate an individual has a problem regarding video games.
To identify whether you are addicted to video games, you have to satisfy at least five or more of the following criteria in a single year. This includes not being able to stop playing games, video games interfering with work, school, and home, lying to others about how much you play, feeling bad when you cannot play, and the likes. Other signs also include playing games even when life is clearly interfered with, playing to feel good and needing to play more to feel better.
Do note that these signs are not a solid pointer to an individual who has video game issues. Some people may simply be passionate about games. It is estimated that less than ten percent of all individuals who play video games satisfy the above conditions, meaning that it is not as large of a problem as you might think.
Preventing gaming disorder can be quite tough, especially if you or someone you know, such as a child, already shows signs of addiction. Regardless, the things you can do include setting time limits, keeping gadgets out of the bedroom, and participating in other activities throughout the day. This limits the time spent playing video games, reducing the likelihood of the hobby turning into a serious disorder.
Whether we agree gaming addiction is a thing, we all must understand that too much of it can be harmful. In fact, too much of anything is not good, and so practicing self-control to ensure you do not end up playing too much is vital to stave off gaming-related problems. That said, if you feel like you are facing a gaming addiction, do not be afraid to reach out for help. There are therapists and doctors available that can help you tackle the addiction, ensuring that it does not interfere with your work, school, and home. If you are a parent to a child that seems to be getting addicted, intervening and supporting the child proves helpful at addressing the problem and making treatment much more effective!
Chettiar Counselling and Associates offers psychotherapy services to help individuals with addiction, anger management issues, depression, and other mental disorders to receive the support they need to recover. If you need counselling services in Ontario for any addiction, reach out to us today!
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