The digital age has brought with it many conveniences and new forms of entertainment, among which video gaming is one of the most popular, especially among children and adolescents.
However, when does a passion for gaming cross into the territory of excess, and how does it impact mental health?
At the Boca Raton Center for Child & Family, we take a deep dive into the phenomenon of excessive gaming and offer strategies to mitigate its effects.
The Rise of Video Game Addiction
Video game addiction is characterized by excessive or compulsive use of computer and video games that interferes with daily life. Unlike casual gaming, addictive gaming can impair social, academic, and occupational functioning.
Researchers, while still debating the exact criteria for diagnosis, observe significant behavioral changes in affected individuals, including a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities and persistent gaming despite negative consequences.
Early Signs of Problematic Gaming
The journey into problematic gaming can often begin innocently enough, with games serving as a fun distraction or a way to socialize.
However, it evolves into a situation where the game consumes more and more hours of the day. Early signs include:
Extended Gaming Hours: Playing for increasingly longer periods than originally intended.
Neglect of Personal Responsibilities: Gaming takes precedence over academic, familial, or occupational responsibilities.
Isolation: Withdrawal from friends and family to spend more time gaming.
Defensiveness: Becoming defensive or angry when confronted about gaming behavior.
Therapeutic Approaches at Boca Raton Center
Recognizing the challenges posed by excessive gaming, our facility employs evidence-based psychological interventions designed to help individuals regain balance. Our approach varies depending on the individual’s needs but often includes:
Behavioral Therapies: These are aimed at helping the individual develop self-control over gaming, identify triggers, and establish healthy digital habits.
Family Therapy: Often, interventions are more effective when the family is involved, helping to create a supportive home environment.
Psychoeducation: Educating the affected individuals and their families about the potential harms of excessive gaming and strategies for managing use.
Case Study Highlight From Monitor on Psychology Magazine (American Psychology Association)
Take, for instance, the story of Dan, a young teen who began playing video games at a very young age.
Over time, Dan's hobby turned into an excessive practice, with him gaming for over 12 hours daily. This excessive gaming began affecting his health and school performance due to the lack of sleep and social interaction.
Through a specialized psychotherapy approach, which was adapted over eight months, Dan and his therapists worked on behavioral changes and setting realistic gaming limits.
Techniques such as behavioral therapy helped Dan reduce his gaming time to about 1.5 hours a day. Remarkably, he also shifted his interest to other productive activities without substituting his gaming addiction with another vice.
WHO Recognition of Gaming Disorder
It's noteworthy that the World Health Organization (WHO) added 'Gaming Disorder' to its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) in 2018. This inclusion underscores the need for awareness and specialized treatment modalities to address this emerging disorder effectively.
Empowering Families and Individuals
At Boca Raton Center for Child & Family, we are committed to empowering our patients and their families with the tools to overcome excessive gaming.
With professional guidance and support, it is possible to turn the tide on video game addiction and lead a more balanced life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with excessive gaming, reach out to us. Our team of experts is here to provide support and effective interventions that cater to each individual's circumstances. Let us help you find the path back to a healthy, fulfilling life.
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