Symptoms Of Video Game Addiction There is a clear group of teens who have problems with video game use. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), the first sign of video game addiction is the amount of TIME spent gaming. As a rule of thumb, adolescents who spend more than 6 hours online every day are most likely compulsive gamers. The more of symptoms you identify, the greater the need for treatment. Behavioral and psychological symptoms of game addiction a preoccupation with gaming craving more time playing video games drop in performance at school or work feeling euphoric while gaming hiding gaming use inability to keep time limits when gaming irritation, depression or emptiness when not playing a video game lying about playing video games problems at school or work social withdrawal from family and friends spend more than 6 hours average online per day Physical symptoms of video game addiction backache carpal tunnel syndrome dry eyes headache irregular eating patterns neck ache poor personal hygiene sleep disturbances weight gain weight loss Intervention If you suspect that a loved one is a video game addict, it will help to confront them with the facts. Many time, a video game addict cannot identify changes to their lifestyle and will deny that a problem exists. Here are a few guidelines that can help. 1. Be concrete – Give examples of the behavior, including time spent on the computer and other activities s/he has missed. 2. Be sensitive – Use ”I” statements, such as, ”I’ve noticed,” ”I’m wondering,” ”I miss you.” 3. Seek a referral – Avoid saying, ”I think you’re addicted to gaming.” Know that you are not qualified to diagnose a compulsive disorder and be prepared with information about who to see. Treatment For Video Game Addiction True video game addicts develop a psychological, emotional and social dependency on gaming. The most effective treatment for video game addiction is usually a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and twelve-step programs. Some treatment centers specialize in adolescent addiction treatment, and include a 90 day internet detox, but these programs are few and far between. In general, parents or loved ones can get involved by participating in personal or family therapy, and enrolling a video game addict in therapy for social skills and after work or school activities.
Posted on: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 11:28:21 +0000
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