Lecture Notes: Video Game Addiction

Introduction

• Presenter: Cam, a former video game addict
• Focus: Understanding video game addiction, causes, signs, impacts, and treatments
• Resource: gamecores.com – A platform for helping those with video game addiction

What is Video Game Addiction?

• Recognition: Officially recognized by the World Health Organization
• Definition: A pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behavior, both online and offline
• Symptoms: Impaired control over gaming, prioritizing gaming over other activities, continued gaming despite negative consequences
• Impact: Affects personal, family, social, educational, and occupational functioning
• Diagnosis: Typically requires evidence over 12 months, but can be shorter if symptoms are severe

Causes of Video Game Addiction

• Game Design: Games are designed to be engaging, fun, and time-consuming; use of loot boxes and microtransactions
• Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, low self-esteem as risk factors

Signs of Video Game Addiction

• Criteria: Based on American Psychiatric Association’s criteria for internet gaming disorder
• Nine Key Signs:
  1. Preoccupation with games
  2. Withdrawal symptoms
  3. Tolerance
  4. Unsuccessful attempts to control gaming
  5. Loss of interest in other activities
  6. Continuation despite negative impact
  7. Deception about gaming
  8. Escaping problems through gaming
  9. Jeopardizing education or career opportunities
• Diagnosis Suggestion: Meeting five or more signs over the past 12 months could indicate addiction

Impact of Video Game Addiction

• Educational Impact: School refusal, dropping out
• Social Impact: Loss of friendships, social isolation
• Emotional Impact: Mood changes, increased anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts
• Physical Impact: Sleep deprivation, insomnia
• Financial Impact: Loss of money, time
• Career Impact: Difficulty in job retention

Testing for Video Game Addiction

• Tool: Gamecores.com offers a test to evaluate the severity of addiction

Treatment for Video Game Addiction

• Effective Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Specialist Support: Therapists specializing in gaming disorders
• Resources: Directory available on gamecores.com
• Centers: Private residential and public rehab centers (e.g., NHS in the UK)

Conclusion and Support

• Message: You're not alone; help is available
• Resources on Gamecores.com:
  • Community forums
  • Links to professionals
  • Encouragement to seek help
• Final Thought: Real life is worth fighting for; never give up hope