Gaming Disorder: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

The video game industry is booming and only getting bigger—experts expect it to be worth over $320 billion by 2026^[1]. Even if you aren’t a gamer, you likely know someone who is. Playing video games isn’t inherently unhealthy; many enjoy gaming without adverse effects.

However, for some people, gaming can become an addiction. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes this addiction as a gaming disorder, and it’s a severe health condition that can have adverse effects on your life, work, and relationships. Just like other behavioral addictions (like gambling or sex addiction), gaming disorder requires a combination of professional treatment and lifestyle changes to overcome.

Here’s what you need to know about gaming disorder, including the symptoms, causes, and how to prevent yourself from developing an addiction if you’re a gamer.

What is gaming disorder?

Gaming disorder is a mental health condition officially recognized in the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Disorders (ICD-11). It’s a behavioral addiction that causes people to play digital/video games even when it’s causing problems in their lives or relationships^[2].

Gaming disorder is similar to other behavioral addictions, including gambling, sex, and shopping addictions, in that it’s characterized by a lack of impulse control over the behavior. In other words, people with gaming disorder don’t just enjoy gaming – they find it hard to stop, even when they want to.

Studies show gaming disorders affect only a few people who play digital games.

Is gaming disorder in the DSM?

Gaming disorder is mentioned in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5-TR), the book that mental health professionals use to make diagnoses, as a condition recommended for further research. It’s not yet listed as an officially recognized condition.

As most U.S. mental health professionals use the DSM, this means you may not receive an official diagnosis if you have a gaming addiction. This does not mean your suffering isn’t authentic or your gaming isn’t a problem. It just means the research hasn’t caught up with technology.

Like gaming, even though many people live with other types of technology addictions, these conditions aren’t yet officially recognized either.

The signs and symptoms of gaming disorder

The symptoms of gaming disorder listed in the ICD-11 are^[3]:

• Impaired control over gaming, or being able to control how much and when you game and not being able to stop when you want or plan to.
• Priority is given to gaming or playing games over meeting your other responsibilities, including school and work.
• Continued gaming despite adverse consequences or not being able to stop playing even when it damages one’s life and relationships.

On top of these officially listed symptoms, some other signs you or someone you love could be facing gaming addiction include:

• You’ve received warnings or trouble at work or school due to excessive gaming, like missing deadlines or neglecting responsibilities.
  Others have expressed concern about your gaming habits, directly or indirectly, and have noticed changes in your behavior or mood.
• You’ve experienced physical symptoms like headaches, eye strain, or carpal tunnel syndrome due to long gaming sessions.
  Because of gaming, you may have neglected important personal or financial obligations, like paying bills or attending important events.
• You’ve lost interest in activities you used to enjoy or were important to you outside of gaming.
• You’ve tried unsuccessfully to reduce your gaming time or quit altogether.
• You’ve experienced conflict with family members, friends, or significant others because you disagree with them about your gaming habits or the amount of time you spend gaming.
• You’ve experienced a decline in your physical health or fitness level due to prolonged periods of sedentary gaming behavior.
• You’ve neglected meaningful relationships or social opportunities because you prioritize gaming over spending time with others.
• You’ve experienced financial problems or debt because you spent money on gaming-related expenses, such as in-game purchases or subscriptions.
• You depend on gaming to relieve stress or cope with painful emotions.

These signs aren’t meant to be used as a diagnostic tool, but they can help you understand your gaming habits and whether they’re healthy or an addiction (or the start of one).

What causes gaming addiction?

Researchers are still trying to understand what, exactly, causes gaming addiction. Studies have found people with gaming disorder have similar brain structures to those with substance use disorder. These two types of addictions likely affect the brain through the same mechanisms^[4].

One important mechanism that makes gaming and substances addictive is the release of dopamine. Dopamine is a “feel-good” neurotransmitter that’s released when you play and win games, as well as during other activities like sex, exercise, successful socializing, and more. When dopamine is released, your brain is more motivated to repeat the behavior, which can lead you to want to play games repeatedly.

Genetic factors may also play a role; a 2018 study found males may have a genetic predisposition to developing gaming disorders^[5].

Are games created to be addictive?

Another reason people develop a gaming addiction is these games are often designed to be addictive. They are often designed to provide instant gratification and constant stimulation, which can make them highly addictive. The reward systems within games, like earning points, leveling up, or unlocking achievements, trigger the release of dopamine in the brain. This reinforcement loop keeps you engaged and motivated to continue playing and seeking out the next reward.

In addition, many modern games employ psychological tactics to maximize player engagement. Features like loot boxes, which offer random rewards for real or in-game currency, capitalize on the uncertainty principle to keep players returning for more.

The social aspect of gaming can also contribute to its addictive nature. Online multiplayer games allow you to interact with others in real time, creating a sense of community and competition. This social connection can make it more difficult to disengage from gaming, especially if you feel lonely in your non-gaming life.

How to prevent gaming addiction

It’s possible to play these games without becoming addicted. Still, like any potentially addictive behavior or substance, it’s essential to be aware of your habits to prevent them from becoming a problem.

If you are a gamer, you may be able to prevent developing an addiction by:

• Being mindful of how gaming affects you. If you notice you feel happy while you’re playing but are more aggravated, tense, or lonely after you stop, this could be a sign you’re becoming addicted.
• Place limits on your gaming time. Set specific boundaries for how much time you spend playing games daily or weekly. This could involve using alarms or timers to help you stick to your limits.
• Don’t neglect other activities. Balance gaming with different aspects of your life, such as work, school, socializing, exercise, and hobbies. Engaging in various activities can help prevent gaming from taking over your time and attention.
• Incorporate regular breaks into your gaming sessions to give your mind and body a chance to rest and recharge. Use these breaks to stretch, walk around, or engage in other activities to break up long gaming sessions.
• Develop healthy coping mechanisms. Instead of always turning to gaming to cope with stress, boredom, or painful emotions, try to add other ways to manage your feelings. This could include practicing relaxation techniques, talking to friends or family, exercising, or pursuing creative outlets.
• Educate yourself about gaming addiction. Learn about the signs and symptoms of gaming addiction so you can recognize them in yourself or others. Understanding the potential risks can help you take proactive steps to prevent addiction from developing.

However, implementing these strategies doesn’t guarantee gaming disorder will never affect you. If you’re struggling to control your gaming habits or worried about how much time you spend gaming, don’t hesitate to seek help. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional for support and guidance. With the proper support, you can get through this.

Get treatment for gaming addiction at The Center • A Place of HOPE

If you’re facing a gaming addiction and want to improve your relationship with technology, our team at The Center • A Place of HOPE can help.

Our unique Whole Person Care approach to mental health treatment addresses your life’s physical, emotional, intellectual, relational, and spiritual elements. Your relationship with gaming is part of your well-being, and addressing this aspect is essential. Gaming addiction can have serious consequences, but we can help you overcome it.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you and your family.

1 – https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/07/gaming-pandemic-lockdowns-pwc-growth/
2 – https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/addictive-behaviours-gaming-disorder
3 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9881664/
4 – https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23124-video-game-addiction
5 – https://academic.oup.com/scan/article/13/11/1203/5110390