Do you spend more time than you should be playing video games? Do you feel like you can’t control how much time you spend on gaming websites or apps? If so, then you may be suffering from internet gaming disorder. This is a real condition that affects many people all over the world. In this blog post, we will discuss what internet gaming disorder is, the symptoms, and how to get help if you think you may have it.
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What Is Internet Gaming Disorder?
Internet gaming disorder is a serious condition for parents and families. We provide education, assessment, parent training, and treatment for internet gaming disorder using evidence-based practices. This disorder is characterized by excessive or compulsive use of computer games or video games that interfere with a person’s everyday life. Internet gaming disorder is classified in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-V) as an emerging mental health issue requiring further study.
Sometimes this also includes severe withdrawal symptoms, such as feeling depressed, anxious, or irritable when unable to play.
This disorder also means the person loses control over how much time they spend playing. They may become socially isolated and stop other activities such as going to school or seeing friends, which can lead to problems with relationships at home and at school.
Signs of Internet Gaming Disorder
There are many signs of internet gaming disorder such as:
Withdrawn Symptoms
When gaming is not available to the gamer, they become anxious and irritable. This also means the gamers will become very depressed. They can also experience mood swings, such as becoming angry or upset at the smallest thing that disrupts their gaming.
Loss of Control
Gamers who suffer from this disorder cannot control how much time they play games. For example, a gamer may say to themselves “just one more game” and end up playing for hours on end without realizing it. They are unable to stop even though the internet connection is broken or there is no electricity available anymore which means shutting down all electronic devices including computers and smartphones with access to online games so when someone tells them about these issues they will feel frustrated.
Feeling Guilty About Gaming Time
They feel bad about the amount of time that is being spent on gaming but are unable to stop spending so much time doing it. A gamer may hide their gaming from others out of shame or embarrassment about how much time is being spent online instead of with family members, friends, or in school activities.
Lying to Others About Gaming Time
Gamers lie about how much time they spend playing games. This is because they are ashamed of how much time they are spending on it. They may also feel like they are addicted to gaming and this is a bad thing, so they do not want anyone to know about their addiction.
Preoccupation with Gaming
Gamers who have internet gaming disorder will constantly think about playing games. This means that gamers will start dreaming about the game or thinking about ways to get more game time when they’re not playing. They may also talk about the game obsessively or spend hours reading online articles or watching videos related to their favorite games.
Neglecting Other Activities
Due to excessive gaming, people who suffer from this disorder tend to stop participating in other activities such as hanging out with friends, going outside and enjoying nature, or going to school. They may also stop eating meals and neglect their hygiene because all they want is more time playing games rather than doing anything else in life that might bring some happiness such as seeing loved ones or receiving an education so when someone tells them about these issues they will feel frustrated
What Causes Internet Gaming Disorder?
The cause of internet gaming disorder is not known. However, researchers have found that people who are at risk for this type of addiction tend to be younger males with high levels of irritability and low self-esteem. Some of these are:
Irritable Behavior
Internet gaming disorder is characterized by irritability when a person is not able to play the game. This also includes feeling angry, frustrated, or anxious.
Lack of Self-Esteem
People with low self-esteem may be more likely to develop internet gaming disorder because they are looking for ways to build up their confidence. For some people, playing games gives them a sense of accomplishment and makes them feel better about themselves.
Fear of Neglecting Behavior
Sometimes people may start playing games to avoid situations that they are afraid of, such as talking to people or participating in social activities. This can be because the person has low self-esteem and does not feel confident enough to do these things.
Who Are More Prone To Internet Gaming Disorder?
People who are more prone to internet gaming disorder are those who are:
Male
Studies have shown that males are more likely to develop internet gaming disorder than females. This may be because males are more competitive and enjoy the thrill of winning or doing well in games. These are people who spend hours playing games such as Call Of Duty or World of Warcraft.
Children
Studies show that children between the ages of 12-14 are more likely than adults to develop internet gaming disorder. This may be because they are more susceptible to addiction and do not have any other interests yet in life, so gaming is their only outlet for fun right now.
Teenagers
Teenage people who are prone to internet gaming disorder are those who spend hours playing games. These are people who spend hours playing games such as Call Of Duty or World of Warcraft.
Young Adults
People between the ages of 18-25 years old are more prone to internet gaming disorder than other age groups because they have not developed other interests yet in life, so gaming is their only outlet for fun right now. The older you get the less likely it becomes that someone will develop this addiction due to work and family responsibilities taking up most of your time instead.
Negative Impacts of Internet Gaming Disorder
There are many negative impacts of internet gaming disorder.
Health Problems
People with internet gaming disorder have a higher risk of health problems such as high blood pressure and obesity. It also puts a lot of stress on the body and can lead to problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Social Problems
People with internet gaming disorder have a higher risk of social problems. This is because they tend to withdraw from friends and family, stop participating in other activities, and become irritable when they are not able to play games.
Academic Problems
People with internet gaming disorder often have poor academic performance because they neglect their schoolwork in favor of playing games. They may also drop out of school altogether because they no longer see the point in getting an education when all they want to do is game for hours on end.
Mental Health Problems
Mental Health gets affected due to internet gaming disorder. It leads to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues which further lead to physical illness or even suicidal thoughts.
How To Treat Internet Gaming Disorder?
Treatment for internet gaming disorder is still in its infancy. However, there are some treatments that people can try if they think they may have this condition:
Counseling
Counseling can help a person learn how to cope with problems without using games as an escape mechanism and deal with negative emotions such as anger or frustration when playing video games does not work out well for them. This counseling will also teach them healthy ways of coping such as taking deep breaths instead of throwing controllers at their television screens if something goes wrong during game playtime. It also teaches them how to say no when others suggest things like going out partying instead of staying home alone playing video games all night long.
One can do this by talking with a therapist or psychiatrist who specializes in treating people who have problems related to gaming addiction. The doctor will help you find the right medication and therapy methods that will work best for your particular situation; they may even recommend some lifestyle changes such as limiting screen time so that it does not become too much of an issue anymore in their lives!
Medication
There are certain medications that can help a person cope with internet gaming disorder, but more research needs to be done before we know exactly what works best for everyone involved (including those affected). It’s important not to self-medicate when it comes to gaming addiction, as this could lead to further problems down the road.
Self-Help Groups
There are also self-help groups available for people affected by internet gaming disorder. This type of group can provide support and advice from others who have gone through or are currently going through a similar situation. It can be helpful to talk with others who understand what you’re going through and may have some tips on how to best deal with the condition.
It is important that if someone thinks they might have an internet gaming disorder, they should seek professional help right away. There are many treatments available that can help get your life back on track.
Self-Help Strategies
Sometimes, people with internet gaming disorder need to take a break from playing video games for several weeks or months. This allows them to focus on other things such as schoolwork, homework assignments, and social activities without feeling like they are missing out by not being able to play their favorite game at all times.
Conclusion
Internet gaming disorder is a real condition that can have negative consequences on a person’s physical, mental, and academic health. If you think you may have this disorder, please seek professional help right away. There are many treatments available that can help get your life back on track.
There are many different ways to treat this disorder. Some people may need to take a break from playing video games for several weeks or months in order to focus on other things such as schoolwork or social activities. Counseling can also be helpful in learning how to cope with problems without using games as an escape mechanism. It is important that if someone thinks they might have this disorder, they should seek professional help right away. There are many treatments available that can help get your life back on track. Thank you for reading!
A Word From Therapy Mantra
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