Internet Gaming Disorder

What is Internet Gaming Disorder?

Internet gaming disorder is characterised by persistent use of internet to engage in games leading to disruption in our functioning or causing distress. 

How to identify internet gaming disorder? 

• Being preoccupied with internet games. 

• Irritability, anxiety or sadness when the internet gaming is taken away amounting to withdrawal.

• Spending increasing amounts of time engaging in internet games which can have an impact on their personal as well as professional relationships. 

• Difficulty in controlling the urge to want to engage in internet games.

• Loss of interest in all the other activities except gaming 

• Continuing excessive use of internet games despite knowledge of disruption in day to day functioning. 

Why does gaming disorder occur?

There can be various causes for internet gaming disorder. The psychological factors include using gaming as a way to escape from real-life problems, stress, or negative emotions, difficulty in managing impulses and controlling the amount of time spent gaming and using gaming as a means to cope with emotions and seek emotional gratification. Some environmental factors which can contribute are the widespread availability of gaming platforms and online connectivity makes gaming easily accessible, peer influence and social norms that encourage excessive gaming can contribute to the development of gaming disorder and chaotic or unsupportive family environments. Certain game elements, such as rewards, achievements, and social interactions, are intentionally designed to keep players engaged for extended periods. Personal factors, including having an underlying mental health issue, such as depression, anxiety, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can make an individual more susceptible to developing gaming disorder.

When to seek help?

While it is common for individuals to engage in internet gaming, it becomes a concern when one feels that they are not able to control this cycle and it starts impairing their social interactions and relationships. The functioning is not just affected in their personal front but also in their academic or professional lives. 

What is the treatment of internet gaming disorder?

The treatment of internet gaming addiction includes a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Forms of therapy include behavioural therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy which focus on bringing about a change in the thoughts and actions. Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the co-occurring conditions the use medication is decided upon.