The World Health Organization recommends that Video Games Addiction be classified as a mental disorder. It defines it as the following:
Gaming disorder is manifested by a persistent or recurrent gaming behaviour (i.e., ‘digital gaming’ or ‘video-gaming’) characterised by an impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities and continuation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences. The behaviour pattern is of sufficient severity to result in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning. These features and the underlying pattern of gaming are normally evident over a period of at least 12 months in order for a diagnosis to be assigned, although the required duration may be shortened if all diagnostic requirements are met and symptoms are severe.
New Jersey / New York Based - Dr Frieda Birnbaum, Research Psychologist, Psychoanalyst, and Author says, “Video games today can be especially addictive because of how much stimulation they provide to the brain. This type of stimulation maybe difficult or impossible to attain in waking reality without enduring considerable effort. Video game addiction appears to parallel pornography addiction in our culture.”
Here are some of the signs of Video Game addiction:
Playing in secret or lying about the length of play.
Mulling over video games when engrossed in other activities
Sacrificing school or work time for gametime.
Using games as an escape from reality
Depression or Anxiety
Becoming alienated from friends and family
Becoming irritated if unable to play
Lacking sleep
Loss of interest in other activities and hobbies
Ignoring personal hygiene
Dr Birnbaum recommends that anyone with an addiction to video games or electronics for that matter should seek counseling. They don't have to go cold turkey but, they should have a healthy balance on how often they play video games and use electronic devices.
Birnbaum says, “People who are addicted to video games should try another game from time-to-time called ‘Life’ - the graphics are amazing, its 3D interactive, and when you acquire enough experience, you get promoted to the next level of evolution and increase your happiness along the way.