Do I have a video game addiction? Understanding the research and solutions

Medically reviewed by Julie Dodson
Updated January 29, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

If you are concerned with your gaming habits, you aren't alone. Video games can be enjoyable and come with advantages, but an unhealthy relationship or dependency on gaming can have negative consequences on an individual's functioning in daily life. 

Recent statistics reveal that about two-thirds of the adult population in the United States plays video games; the same is true for 76% of US children. Dependency on gaming habits can involve more than spending hours playing or finding pleasure in these games. To understand this compulsive behavior in more detail, looking at the statistics and solutions surrounding video game addictions can be helpful.

It is possible to find a health video gaming balance

Is video game addiction a mental health condition?

Video game addiction is often called gaming disorder or internet gaming disorder. Though it is a relatively recently identified condition that continues to undergo clinical research, gaming addiction, gaming disorder, or internet gaming disorder is a mental health concern acknowledged by medical professionals. 

In 2013, internet gaming disorder was included in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a condition needing further research. In 2019, gaming disorder was included in the ICD-11 (the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases) by the World Health Organization as a clinically significant and recognizable disorder. Children, adolescents, and adults can develop this mental illness. 

Signs of video game addiction

Gaming addiction, gaming disorder, or internet gaming disorder is not characterized by the amount of time someone spends playing video games. Instead, according to the World Health Organization, dependency results in significant distress or impairment in familial, social, educational, occupational, or personal functioning. In addition, it involves compulsive gaming, which may feel uncontrollable or distressing for the individual. 

Signs a person may be facing video game addiction, internet gaming disorder, or an otherwise unhealthy relationship with gaming include but aren't restricted to:

  • Preoccupation or fixation on gaming

  • Difficulty reducing play time or stopping the video game, even if you want to

  • An urge to spend more and more time playing video games 

  • Withdrawal symptoms like sadness, irritability, agitation, or nervousness, when it is not possible to play video games 

  • Giving up time for other activities in favor of gaming or a loss of interest in activities once previously enjoyed 

  • Continued gaming despite work, school, relationship, or personal challenges 

  • Reliance on gaming to relieve negative feelings, such as feelings of guilt or hopelessness 

  • Actual or risked loss of a job or relationship due to gaming

  • Eating and drinking while you play video games

  • Peeing in a cup instead of going to the bathroom during a game 

  • Forgoing sleep to play a game 

Five out of nine of the above symptoms must be acknowledged for someone to meet the criteria for internet gaming disorder. The estimated prevalence of internet gaming disorder or gaming addiction is high, and it's seen at higher levels among certain groups. 

For example, internet gaming disorder is associated with severe symptoms of depression, poor quality of sleep, the total portion of one's free time spent gaming, and gender. It is also more common in those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While estimates vary substantially based on several factors, in 2021, around 1.96% to 3.05% worldwide faced a video gaming addiction. 

How video games affect the brain

Gaming, in general, can have benefits and disadvantages. In the case of internet gaming disorder or gaming addiction, the related brain activity may be a primary culprit, which is comparable to the patterns seen in substance use disorders and gambling addictions. 

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources.

Gaming interacts with the reward system in the brain. It can lead to dopamine release, sometimes called a "feel-good hormone" or "happy hormone," known to elicit positive or pleasurable feelings. For this reason, there may be a crossover between internet gaming disorder, ADHD, and depressive disorders.

An affiliation with dopamine release in many activities doesn't necessarily mean something is unhealthy. For example, the release of dopamine also occurs during physical activity, time spent outdoors, sex, or when smelling certain scents. A dopamine release becomes a problem when a person depends on that release for their well-being. If you feel like you have to play video games in order to feel well, you may have an addiction.

Treatment for video game addiction

Symptoms of gaming disorder, internet gaming disorder, or video game addiction can improve. Below are a few treatment options. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy 

Research indicates that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) effectively treats internet gaming disorder. CBT is a standard, non-invasive therapy that may be paired with other interventions like practicing mindfulness, increasing physical activity, group therapies focused on video game addiction, and other techniques. Goals in therapy can include but aren't limited to a reduction in video game usage, improved social relationships, and lower levels of depression or anxiety.

Talk therapy 

As it is common for those who face symptoms consistent with internet gaming disorder to experience co-occurring mental health conditions, talk therapy with a licensed therapist may also be beneficial. There are hundreds of therapeutic modalities, and some people may find a structured program helpful. 

For example, if a person with internet gaming disorder also meets the criteria for depression, they may wish to get support for depression symptoms simultaneously. Similarly, a mental health professional can teach social skills and offer exposure therapy training if a person faces concerns related to social situations and interpersonal relationships. 

Support groups 

It can be beneficial for individuals to find avenues for connectedness to others, such as support groups. Support groups are often free of cost, can be found in face-to-face settings or online, and may be able to bridge gaps related to social anxiety. Reductions in social anxiety symptoms may improve one's aversion to leaving home due to playing games.  

It is possible to find a health video gaming balance

How to find support for internet or gaming addiction

Various therapy modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be conducted online and in face to face settings. Research reveals that online therapy is effective for individuals facing a range of related mental health conditions, including but not limited to obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and anxiety.  

Through an online platform like BetterHelp, you may be able to find counseling that is more affordable than traditional, in-person therapy. In addition, you can answer a brief series of questions to be paired with a mental health professional who meets your needs and has experience in treating your symptoms. When you attend therapy, you can do so from home, which might be beneficial if you're not ready to let go of gaming. 

Takeaway

You're not alone if you feel dependent on your relationship with gaming. Many people live with gaming and internet dependency and compulsions. However, support is available; you don't have to go through this process alone. If you’ve noticed warning signs of a game addiction and you're interested in getting started by speaking to a professional, consider signing up for an online platform or talking to a provider in your area about your goals.

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