How to recognise the signs and symptoms of gaming addiction

Earlier this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed gaming addiction – including both video and online gaming – as a mental health condition.

They defined gaming disorder as a pattern of gaming behaviour characterised by weakened control over gaming and increased priority given to gaming over other activities to the point that it takes precedence over other interests and daily activities.

“The behaviour pattern must be severe enough that it significantly impairs personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning, and it must have been evident for at least 12 months,” said Hein Hofmeyr, a clinical psychologist at Akeso Clinic in Nelspruit.

Hofmeyr said it’s a disorder which may be classified as a substance-related and addictive disorder as it exhibits the same signs and symptoms.

According to Hofmeyr, some signs and symptoms include:

• Withdrawal symptoms, including anger, depression, feelings of restlessness and/or irritability
• Preoccupation with thoughts of previous online activity or anticipation of the next online session
• Lying to friends or family members about the amount of time spent playing, as well as an inability to cut back on playing hours
• Losing friends and isolation from others, as more time is spent gaming
• Reckless spending of money on gaming
• Losing interest in previously enjoyable activities
• Fatigue and migraines due to intense concentration or eye strain
• Falling behind in school and work, and performing poorly

As with any addiction, Hofmeyr said it’s important to question what unmet emotional needs gaming fulfils. Whether it is the unmet psychological need of belonging, avoiding hurtful emotions or improving one’s self-esteem, addiction takes on the role of replacing those needs.

“In addition, people often enter a hypnotic state when playing video games, during which the subconscious mind learns that the playing of the game is an escape from the real world and a safe space. This further reinforces the dependence on gaming,” added Hofmeyr.

He said that the first step to rehabilitation is acknowledging that there is a problem and advised that gamers need to start managing the number of hours spent playing. “Family members or friends could also try to determine which needs the addiction fulfils, and to provide more appropriate alternatives.”

Hofmeyr advised gamers, family members or friends to take the following steps:

• Choose suitable games which are still fun.
• Talk about the content of the game in order to understand the difference between make-believe and reality.
• Avoid playing alone.
• Guard against obsessive playing.
• Discuss the possible risks of gaming addiction.
• Ensuring that they have other activities to consume their free time.
• Establish the idea that gaming is something to do only during play time.

If none of these steps helps, professional assistance is advised and this may include individual therapy with a psychologist who has a special interest in addiction as well as family therapy, especially if the addict is a child or teenager.