Mental Health Friday 2023-04-07
On Mental Health Friday, we post, in alphabetical order, one per week, information on mental health disorders. Mental Health Friday is for informational purposes only, and is in no way meant to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Please do not self diagnose and seek professional help for what ails you.
Internet Gaming Disorder
By D.Y.A.N.A Editorial Team
Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent and recurrent pattern of excessive gaming behaviors, leading to significant impairment or distress in various areas of an individual’s life. It is recognized as a condition for further study by the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition) and the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).
The key symptoms of IGD include:
- Preoccupation with gaming: An individual with IGD is preoccupied with gaming, thinking about gaming even when not playing, and feels the need to spend increasing amounts of time gaming to achieve satisfaction.
- Withdrawal symptoms: The individual experiences restlessness, irritability, and sadness when unable to play games.
- Tolerance: The individual needs to spend more time playing games to achieve the same level of enjoyment.
- Loss of interest in other activities: The individual loses interest in other activities that they used to enjoy before starting to play games excessively.
- Continued gaming despite negative consequences: Despite negative consequences such as poor academic performance, strained relationships, and financial problems, the individual continues to play games.
- Deceiving others: The individual deceives family members or others about the amount of time spent gaming.
- Escaping problems: The individual uses gaming as a way to escape from negative emotions, stress, or problems in real life.
The exact causes of IGD are still not clear, but researchers have identified several factors that may contribute to its development, including:
- Biological factors: Genetics and neurobiology can play a role in the development of IGD. Certain genes have been found to be associated with IGD, and research has shown that excessive gaming can affect brain function and structure.
- Psychological factors: Individuals with certain personality traits, such as impulsivity, low self-esteem, and high neuroticism, may be more prone to developing IGD. They may also have underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Environmental factors: Environmental factors such as parental neglect, lack of social support, and easy access to technology can also contribute to the development of IGD.
Treatment for IGD typically involves a combination of psychological therapies and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals learn to manage their gaming behaviors and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Family therapy may also be recommended to address family dynamics and communication issues. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage underlying mental health conditions.
In summary, Internet Gaming Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by excessive and problematic gaming behavior that leads to significant impairment in various areas of an individual’s life. The condition is complex and may involve biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Treatment typically involves a combination of therapy and medication to help individuals manage their symptoms and develop healthier coping mechanisms.