These days, many people play `Video Games` in their free time, or just to have a little fun. It is really normal. But sometimes this game goes a little too far, and it can become a problem that affects our lives. That is what we call `Video Game Addiction` or `(Internet Gaming Disorder)`. Let's talk about this in a little more detail today.
What is Video Game Addiction?
Simply put, `Video Game Addiction` is when you become unable to control your video game playing. This means that even though you want to stop playing, you can't. This can negatively affect your personal life, your relationships with family and friends, your schoolwork, your job, and your health .
This situation can occur not only with games played over the Internet, but also with games played on any electronic device. However, most of the time, people who face this problem are those who play games over the Internet.
There are still different opinions among researchers about whether this is really an addiction or a mental illness. Some people say it is a behavioral addiction, like gambling disorder. That is, the excitement you feel when you win a game motivates you to keep playing the game.
But others say that, unlike gambling, winning video games requires a certain amount of intellectual ability and quick reaction time , and is not based solely on luck like gambling. Therefore, there is also an opinion that the comparison is wrong.
However, these debates aside, the important thing is that when we do too much of anything, if it affects our daily lives, it can cause mental, social, and physical problems . So if you feel like your gaming habit is taking over your life, it's important to seek medical advice.
Who can develop this video game addiction? (Who does it affect?)
This condition called `Video Game Addiction` can affect anyone, including children, young people, and adults . However, research has shown that this condition is more common among adults.
Researchers estimate that between 1.7% and 10% of the American population suffers from this condition. The reason for this wide range is that different researchers do not agree on the criteria used to diagnose this ``Internet Gaming Disorder``.
What are the signs and symptoms of video game addiction?
Do you think you're a victim of this too? If so, take a look at these symptoms:
- I can't do schoolwork, work, or household chores properly because I spend so much time playing games.
- If you can't play the game, or if someone stops playing the game, you may feel sad, anxious, or constantly angry . We also call this `Withdrawal Symptoms`.
- To get the same pleasure from playing games as before, you now need to play games for even longer .
- They give up other things they used to enjoy (hobbies, sports) and social relationships (talking with friends, spending time with family) just because they want to play games.
- Even though they know that playing games has negative consequences, they are unable to reduce the amount of time they spend playing games, or they fail to stop playing games even when they try .
- Lying to family and friends about the time they play games.
- They don't care about their cleanliness and orderliness because they want to play games.
- People use video games to relieve stress at work, school, and to escape from problems at home .
- Video games are used to relieve negative mental states such as guilt and disappointment .
If you or someone you know has these symptoms, it is very important to see a doctor or mental health counselor .
Why is this happening? What causes it?
Researchers are still investigating why people actually become addicted to video games and what addictive qualities these games possess.
As it is currently known, when we play and win video games, a chemical called `(Dopamine)` is released in our brain . This `(Dopamine)` is a `(Neurotransmitter)` in our brain. This is important for many things in our body, such as creating happiness, satisfaction, and motivation to do something. Just like when we are addicted to gambling, when we are addicted to drugs, this same chemical called `(Dopamine)` is also activated.
Recent neurological research has shown that there are similarities between the brains of people addicted to video games and the brains of people addicted to drugs.
How is this diagnosed? (How is it diagnosed?)
To find out for sure if you have a `Video Game Addiction`, your doctor may refer you to a mental health counselor, such as a `Psychologist` or `Psychiatrist`.
Mental health professionals use the American Psychiatric Association's (American Psychiatric Association) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose mental illnesses, including Internet Gaming Disorder.
Your mental health professional will ask you questions about many things, including your medical history, personal information, and gaming patterns.
Generally, to be diagnosed with Internet Gaming Disorder, your gaming behavior must be severe enough to cause significant impairment in your personal, family, social, educational, and/or occupational functioning . And these patterns must have persisted for at least one year .
What is the treatment for this? (How is it treated?)
The main treatment for `Video Game Addiction` is talk therapy, also known as `(Psychotherapy)`.
Psychotherapy is a combination of different treatments that help you identify and change your troubling feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Working with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, provides support, education, and guidance for you and your family.
There are several types of psychotherapy that may be helpful for someone with video game addiction:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a goal-oriented, systematic treatment. The therapist helps you look deeply into your thoughts and feelings. You will be able to understand how your thoughts affect your actions. Through CBT, you can learn to let go of these negative and uncontrollable thoughts and behaviors and develop healthier thought patterns and habits.
- Group Therapy: This involves a group of people with similar problems coming together to talk about their problems under the supervision of a therapist. This can provide great encouragement and moral support for those who have lost friends and loved ones due to video game addiction.
- Family or Marriage Counseling: This treatment method helps the family understand the condition and help them make the home environment more stable.
If you have another mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), your doctor may prescribe certain medications to treat those symptoms.
What are the risk factors for this?
Researchers are still learning about this 'Video Game Addiction'. So far, they have identified some factors that increase the risk of developing this condition.
Psychological risk factors associated with Internet Gaming Disorder are:
- Impulsivity.
- Low self-control.
- Anxiety.
Behavioral risk factors associated with Internet Gaming Disorder are:
- Spending more and more money every day playing games.
- The time spent playing games on weekdays is increasing .
- Attending `Offline` (offline) community meetings where gamers gather.
- Being a member of a gaming community.
Should everyone who plays games be afraid of this?
No, there is nothing to be afraid of. Research has shown that only a very small number of people who play online games or video games will face this addiction problem.
If you're a video gamer, it's important to be aware of how much time you spend playing games. Especially if you're starting to neglect your daily activities like hygiene, social interactions, schoolwork, or work, it could be an early sign of video game addiction. So be aware of that.
When should you see a doctor? (When to see a doctor?)
If you have any doubts or concerns about this video game addiction, whether it's about yourself, a family member, or a friend, talk to a doctor or mental health counselor immediately .
If you have been diagnosed with Video Game Addiction, it is very important to seek treatment and stick to your treatment plan. You will also need to see your mental health professional regularly.
Millions of people around the world play video games and Internet games. While the majority of those who enjoy these games do not develop these problematic behaviors, sometimes playing these games can become a lifelong habit and negatively affect daily functioning. If you are concerned about your gaming habits or the gaming habits of someone you love, don't hesitate to see your doctor. They are always ready to help you.
The most important things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so, here are the most important things you need to remember from what we've talked about today:
- Although video games are a great way to have fun, sometimes they can become an uncontrollable addiction .
- This addiction can have negative effects on many aspects of your life (study, work, relationships, health) .
- If you see any signs of unusual gaming, neglecting other tasks, being unable to stay without gaming, or lying, be concerned.
- The reason for this is thought to be the activation of a chemical in the brain called dopamine.
- There are effective treatments for this condition, such as psychotherapy . So don't be afraid to ask for help.
- If you think you or someone you know has this problem, see a doctor or mental health counselor .
Remember, you are not alone. You can get help with these kinds of problems.
` Video Game Addiction, Game Addiction, Internet Gaming, Mental Health, Behavioral Addiction, Video Game Addiction, Gaming Disorder
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