Video game addiction

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Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Video game addiction
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Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Excessive use of video games, withdrawal symptoms, loss of interest in other activities, impaired social functioning
Complications	Depression, anxiety, obesity, sleep disorders
Onset	Typically in adolescence or young adulthood
Duration	Can be chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Psychological, social, and biological factors
Risks	Adolescents, young adults, male gender, social isolation
Diagnosis	Based on behavioral symptoms and DSM-5 criteria
Differential diagnosis	Substance use disorder, gambling disorder, internet addiction disorder
Prevention	Parental guidance, time management, healthy lifestyle
Treatment	Cognitive behavioral therapy, counseling, support groups
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Varies; can improve with treatment
Frequency	Increasing prevalence, especially among youth
Deaths	N/A

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Video game addiction is a mental disorder characterized by excessive or compulsive use of computer games or video games, which interferes with a person's everyday life. Video game addiction has been discussed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but it was not included as a diagnosable condition in the 2013 edition.

Definition

Video game addiction is generally defined as problematic, compulsive use of video and/or internet games, that results in significant impairment to an individual's ability to function in various life domains over a prolonged period of time. This and associated concepts have been the subject of considerable research, debate, and discussion among experts in several disciplines and has generated controversy within the medical, scientific, and gaming communities.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Symptoms of video game addiction are similar to those of other proposed psychological addictions. These symptoms include: preoccupation with video games, withdrawal symptoms when video games are taken away, tolerance (the need to spend more time playing video games), and loss of interest in other activities.

Treatment

Treatment for video game addiction is similar to detox for other addictions, with therapy and support groups to help the addict learn to manage their addiction. Cognitive behavioral therapy is considered effective for treating video game addiction.

See also

• Internet addiction disorder
• Problem gambling
• Digital media use and mental health

References

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