Gaming Addiction

By Charabis

Many people have heard about it, but how many people really know what it is? Is it even real? The simple answer is "maybe", but even psychiatrists aren't sure yet. So let's explore what we can find out about this supposed disorder on today's Weekend Wonder.

Should it be classified as a true psychological disorder, it would comprise the compulsive use of computer and video games. These players isolate themselves from life, focusing almost entirely on making great achievments in games, rather than in life. The best-publicized of these is the MMORPG addiction.

The MMORPG addiction, also would have much in common with Internet Addiction Disorder, which itself is highly-debated. In June 2007, the American Medical Association determined more research was needed before Gaming Addiciton could be classed as a mental disorder. However, they're not ruling out the possibility of including it in the 2012 American Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Much of the dispute revolves around whether the so-called Gaming Addiction is a mental disorder itself, or merely a symptom of another, such as Social Anxiety or Depression. Should it be found to be a symptom rather than a disorder, it would clearly not qualify for inclusion. The only question remaining is, "Is it a disorder?"

There's no doubt that, for some people, it can resemble an addiction. They think about games constantly, use it for mood adjustment, and even go through withdrawal when they're denied access to their games. Since it is not yet classified as a mental disorder, there are no criteria for diagnosing it.

It is very hard to see just where the AMA will go with classifying this as a disorder or not. There is, however, no reason why an individual can't do a little self-evaluation to see where they stand. Here's a quick checklist you might want to run down to see if you might have a problem with video games:

Are you preoccupied with games, such as thinking about the last one you played constantly, or always looking forward to your next gaming session? Do you find you need to play games more and more often to feel satisifed? Have you ever tried to cut-back or eliminate your game time, only to find you can't? Do you wind up feeling restless, irritable, moody, or depressed when you try to stop or cut-back on your video game usage? Do you often find you play games for longer than you'd intended? Have you jeopardized a significant relationship, a job, or a career or educational opportunity because it interferes with your game time? Do you find yourself lieing to friends and family members about how much time you spend playing video games? Do you use games to escape daily problems?

If you answered "yes" to five or more of these questions, you would be considered to be addicted to video games. This is assuming they use the same criteria that were established for diagnosing Internet Addiction, which would seem likely. Still, it does leave open the simple question of "Why?" Why a person becomes addicted to games is an important factor in whether or not it's really a disorder.

For my part, I had to check off 1, 3, and 5, so I'd be probably be considered borderline. At least until you realize video games are my job! Of course I'm going to be preoccupied with games since I have to write about them. You can't write about what you don't research or already know well.

Likewise, you can't cut-back or eliminate game time if you're getting paid to study them. That'd be like going into your boss' office and telling him you have to leave work after only 1/2 a day for a full week to see if you go through withdrawal.

For me, I always go over on game time, but I also go over on a lot of things, including sketch ing, reading, and studying! Studying addiction? I seriously doubt we'll ever hear about that one! :P

The point is, just how accurate are their criteria? Different people are going to naturally have different levels of involvement in games. I think the real test for those who think they may have a problem, and are not involved in the gaming industry, is to simply step away for a few days, and write down what happens. Record the changes you go through, and take a good, hard look at what you wrote. If you do find you have a problem, get help. Remember, in the case of video games, being cured doesn't mean you're going to have to give it up entirely, only that you can control your urge to play better.

So what are your thoughts on the subject of gaming addiction? Hop on over to our fourms to share your thoughts
Until next time, be well, and happy gaming!