subject: Video Game Addiction Awareness [print this page] Video game addiction is an excessive or compulsive use of computer and video games that interferes ones personal and professional life. Video game addiction is yet not officially listed as a mental disorder in the mental health professionals handbook i.e. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). But it is off the record documented as a disorder. The dramatic increase in Video gaming has brought with it a line of problematic behaviour in a person
Game begins with a reasonable limit, but it gradually increases to excess as it becomes interesting and compelling to player.
Online games take you to a fantasy world that gives you an instant gratification.
Exposure to video games causes aggression and this exposure correlates with aggression in the real world.
Sustained gaming over extended periods of time is considered similar to the addictive behaviour experienced in addictive drugs.
Dr. Richard Gallagher said Getting highly involved with video games can become addicting, and parents need to be cautious about how many hours kids play," Following are some important points through which one can easily determine if he is addicted to video game or not:
Video game addiction in children:
They spend most of their spare time on computer video games
They fall asleep in school
Academic problem
They start lying about video game use, so computer privileges arent taken away from them.
They have no time for family and friends
They drop out of outdoor activities like picnic, clubs, sports, etc.
They get irritated when you ask them not play video games
Video game addiction in adults:
They get obsessed about computer games or playing video games
They start neglecting personal relationships with friends and family
They face difficulty in maintaining personal or professional responsibilities
They start lying to others about computer or video game use.
They spend most of their time thinking they could be playing their favorite game
They become so involved in playing games, they dont get proper sleep
They start experiencing many physical problem like backaches, dry eyes or headaches after playing video games
They sometime even loss their job
They have to face serious family issues and conflicts
They start ignoring warnings given by others
They frequently spend a disproportionate amount of money on computer-related items
Following are some ways for treating video game addiction:
Consult an expert counselor
Try to balance between the time spent on video games and other responsibilities
medications
Many countries like South Korea, China, the Netherlands, Canada, and the United States, have opened many treatment centers for people suffering from video game addiction. One can also get various Video game addiction support groups on web. These online websites and group help you in orienting and pointing your problem in right direction. They provide various blog article, quiz that will definitely help in identifying the reason behind your addiction.
