Internet Gaming Disorder: Video Game Addiction Is Real

If your kids or spouse spend considerable time on games like "Fortnite" or "Minecraft," they're not alone - a whopping 90 percent of kids in the United States play video games. But if your loved seems unable to do anything else and is even willing to forgo beloved activities to continue gaming, it might be a gaming addiction. "Can a person become addicted to video games?" has been the subject of debate for as long as video games have been around.

Starting in the late 1990s, researchers began looking into the potential downside of heavy internet use. Back in 2013, that concern prompted the American Psychiatric Association to propose the inclusion of internet gaming disorder as an official diagnosis in its updated diagnostic manual. The World Health Organization has officially declared gaming disorder a mental health condition.

But being a "gamer" doesn't automatically mean your child or spouse is addicted to video games. Learn how to spot the signs of gaming disorder, and what to do if you’re concerned about the amount of time your teen or child spends playing video games.

What Is Internet Gaming Disorder?

Internet gaming disorder is defined by an excessive use of online or video games that leads to neglecting responsibilities and physical health. This pattern of behavior negatively impacts a person's life. People with this mental illness prioritize playing video games over everything else.

What Are The Signs Of Internet Gaming Disorder?

A person with gaming disorder starts to lose interest in other activities, relationships and even essentials like eating and sleeping. Even worse is when gaming causes repercussions like losing friends, receiving poor grades in school or getting in trouble at home, yet the child continues the same behaviors.

Signs of internet gaming disorder in kids

If your child experiences five or more of the following signs within a 12-month period, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you talk to your child's doctor, as that may indicate a gaming disorder diagnosis:

1. Consumed with thoughts about playing video games; gaming becomes the primary activity in daily life
2. Irritable, anxious or sad when gaming is taken away
3. Spending increasing amounts of time gaming
4. Unable to stop or reduce play time
5. Losing interest in previously enjoyable activities other than gaming
6. Continuing gaming despite negative consequences
7. Lying to others about time spent gaming
8. Using game playing to escape feelings of anxiety, helplessness or guilt
9. Willing to lose something significant, like a relationship, job, educational or career opportunity, to continue gaming

Signs of internet gaming disorder in adults

The American Psychological Association says that internet gaming disorder can present " significant impairment or distress" in several aspects of a person's life. Signs in adults can include:

1. A preoccupation with gaming
2. Withdrawal symptoms like sadness, anxiety or irritability when gaming is not possible
3. The need to spend more time gaming to satisfy the urge
4. Unsuccessful attempts to reduce or quit gaming
5. Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities
6. Continuing to game despite problems
7. Covering up or deceiving family members or others about the amount of time spent on gaming
8. Using gaming to relieve negative moods, such as guilt or hopelessness
9. Jeopardizing or losing a job or relationship due to gaming.

How Common Is Internet Gaming Disorder?

An estimated 0.3 to 1.0 percent of the general population might qualify for a potential diagnosis of internet gaming disorder, according to the American Psychological Association. 

What Should You Do If Gaming Has Gotten Out Of Hand?

While only a small percentage of kids may develop gaming disorder, he general problem of "too much screen time" concerns many parents. If you'd like to scale back your child's game time, consider the following:

Set usage limits

Decide how often and when your child will have access to gaming. For example, you may limit it to only the weekends or to one hour a day. Consider installing an app that can monitor your child's gaming time and automatically shuts off devices after a certain time. Take gaming away Another option to reduce your child's gaming time is to eliminate apps altogether. You can remove gaming consoles and uninstall games from your child's devices. Or try an app that monitors your child's activities on phones, tablets and computers.

Encourage real-life activities

Help your child remember all the fun activities there are to do without video games. Ask which sport, club or extracurricular class your child wants to sign up for, or perhaps get a pool membership for the whole family to use. You can also buy some board games and invite friends over for a game night. Get your kids involved in deciding on the games and activities – the goal is to revive interest in hobbies that they previously enjoyed. If you're concerned your child may have gaming disorder, consult with your child's pediatrician who can help assess the situation and refer you to a behavioral health expert.

How Is Internet Gaming Disorder Treated?

Treatments for internet gaming disorder include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Family therapy or marriage counseling
• Medications