Do you think someone in your family is addicted to video games? Likely, they do not, but we’re here to assist if you have questions. Many kinds of video games are popular among kids, like the hunter call of the wild controls pc. But it’s been reported that the World Health Organization is working to include gaming disorders as an official diagnosis in its 11th edition, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). This means that healthcare professionals could start treating addiction to video games as a mental issue. We asked two UnityPoint Health doctors, a pediatrician, and an addiction doctor, to explain what all this means for you and your family.
What Can You Tell If a family member is addicted to Video Games?
“It is possible to explain this using the analogy of alcoholism,” The addiction expert for Health claims. “The vast majority of those who play video games don’t have a problem with an addiction to video games, just as most people who consume alcohol don’t suffer from alcohol dependence. The disorder isn’t characterized by observing and concluding that someone else is playing excessively. The disorder is defined by compulsive games, despite the negative effects .”
What are the signs Of Video Game Addiction?
“Signs can be seen in changes in mood and behavior that could be a sign of the feeling of being lonely, delaying previously enjoyable activities, and withdrawal from gaming — all of which could cause anxiety, irritability, or depression. It is also possible to notice a decline in performance at work or school or a loss of control over your gaming time.”
What are the Physical consequences of Gaming addiction?
“Consequences of gaming addiction are visible in various ways, such as wrist, neck, and elbow pain and calluses, skin blisters, as well as sleep problems. A long-term dependence can lead to increased weight, weakness, or numbness of the hand (peripheral neuropathy) as well as blood clots.”
What are the treatment options for a gaming Disorder?
“The most effective treatments comprise psychotherapy techniques, including cognitive behavior therapy. This therapy relies on the notion that feelings influence thoughts and emotions influence behavior which can influence thoughts. It helps individuals identify and change their thought patterns to help them manage various situations in life. There is initial research on the effects of medications; however, this isn’t yet the most effective option. ,”.
Who Does Gaming Disorder Attain?
“There is no one time that gaming disorder begins,” a Health pediatrician states. “Ninety percent of adolescents and children play in our world; however, just one or nine percent will develop a gaming disorder. As with all addictions, a few are more susceptible to developing. Teens and children who are more avid gamers and have less social competency (below normal emotional, social, and cognitive skills) and impulse control (ability to make decisions on the spur of the moment) are at a higher risk of developing pathological gaming in a study from 2011. Pediatrics study. .”
What are the effects of Video Games on Children?
“As parents, it is important to monitor the impact of video gaming on the children. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) acknowledges that exposure to violence through media, such as games on video, can put children at risk of developing aggressive behaviors and desensitization to violence, anxiety, and fear of harm. Parents should be aware of what they play in their children’s games and be sure to check the appropriateness of games for their age. It’s an excellent idea to verify the ratings of games. You can do this via sites like Common Sense Media .”
How Much Time Should My Child permit to play Video Games?
“Beyond monitoring the consequences of violent gaming games on teenagers and children, Finding an equilibrium with your loved ones is crucial. When discussing gaming with school-aged kids, parents need to be effective media instructors and pay attention to three factors of gaming: the game’s content, the context, and their child. According to the AAP, parents should develop an annual family media plan and then monitor the quality and appropriateness of their children’s age games. Gaming shouldn’t be a substitute for important activities for children’s health, like meals, good sleeping patterns, playing time with their friends, exercising, and school work. ,”