Addiction to online gaming is a real phenomenon. Many people suffer from it, and it can cause many problems. Here are a few signs to look for.
Psychological
Psychological addiction to online gaming is a problem that millions of people face. Some of the problems associated with the sedentary nature of games are a decline in personal hygiene, poor diet, and increased weight.
It has also been linked to depression. This is why it is important to recognize and treat the condition. If your loved ones are suffering, consider getting them help. You should never underestimate the importance of talking with your doctor about your concerns.
There are a variety of treatment options. The main option is talk therapy. Therapy can be one-on-one or in a group setting. Both types of treatment are structured and goal-oriented. They focus on changing troubling thoughts and emotions.
Physical
If you spend more time playing video games than you can remember, you may be suffering from a physical addiction to online gaming. Although this is a real problem, there are effective treatment methods that can help you.
You can find out more about a physical addiction to online gaming by talking with a mental health professional. They can explain the different treatments available and provide support.
There are two types of therapy: talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. These treatments aim to change troubling emotions and behaviors.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching you to recognize negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones. This way, you will be able to change the way you think and feel about gaming.
Neurochemical
Video game addiction can have pernicious effects on the user’s life. Excessive gaming can lead to a host of negative consequences, from somatization to personality issues. While the notion of addiction is traditionally associated with drugs, research has demonstrated that some forms of video gaming can be addictive.
Several studies have examined various aspects of Internet gaming disorders. Some of the most interesting results are associated with a number of neurocognitive functions, particularly those pertaining to reward systems. Specifically, the ventral striatum releases dopamine in a manner similar to that of psycho-stimulant drugs.
The “fight-or-flight” response is triggered by intense stimulation in games. A recent study has suggested that this response is not limited to a small subset of gamers.
Associated with narcissism
A study has shown that a correlation exists between gaming disorder and narcissism. Gaming disorder is characterized by poor social acceptance and an effort to keep up with short-term pleasures.
The extent of gaming disorder is also associated with narcissism and aggression. Research has shown that online game addicts are more likely to have weak self-control than normal Internet users. Similarly, narcissism is correlated with both aggressive and violent behavior.
A multiple regression model was used to analyze the relationship between the various variables. It was found that narcissism was a significant predictor of IGD. However, only 20% of the variance was explained.
A negative relationship was also seen between the narcissism and IGD. This is due to the fact that narcissism correlated with negative coping styles and IGD correlated with positive coping styles.
Associated with social interactions
A growing body of research has shown that problematic online gaming is associated with several psychosocial factors. One such factor is social interaction. It has been demonstrated that the quality of in-game social interactions has a direct impact on gaming disorder.
In-game social interactions in a virtual environment provide opportunities for emotional expression and communication. This is important because in-game social interaction helps gamers develop meaningful relationships. However, it may also contribute to problematic online gaming.
The benefits of in-game social interaction are likely outweighed by the psychological dependency that players may develop on online relationships. For this reason, reducing alienation and encouraging offline social capital may be effective prevention measures.
Warning signs
Video game addiction is a mental health problem that affects people from all ages. This addictive behavior can lead to negative consequences, including weight gain, poor sleep, loss of interest in other activities, and deception.
People who are addicted to online gaming often experience withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, sadness, and tension. They may also experience cravings. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, it is important to seek help.
Internet gaming can also have a negative effect on relationships. For example, it can cause conflicts between parents and children. It can also interfere with school or work.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified this disorder as a mental health problem. However, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, has not yet included it in its list of disorders.