Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD)

What is an Internet Gaming Disorder?

Computer gaming is typically a fun and interesting activity for most people. However, people who have a variety of intra- and interpersonal risk factors may find it appealing to use computer gaming as a coping mechanism for personal issues. Gaming and the pursuit of gaming-related pleasures can cause people to overlook 'regular' relationships, obligations at work or school, and even basic physical necessities. Thus, it is possible to think of computer gaming as a continuum that ranges from a fun pastime to problematic and even addictive use.

Internet gaming disorder has been recognized by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) as a temporary disorder in the latest fifth revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

According to the DSM-5, Internet Gaming Disorder is indicated by the support of at least five core symptoms (from nine) over one 12-month period. More specifically, the diagnostic criteria of Internet Gaming Disorder, include the following nine clinical symptoms:  

1. preoccupation with videogames (i.e. “preoccupation”) Do you spend a lot of time thinking about games even when you are not playing, or planning when you can play next?
2. experiencing unpleasant symptoms when playing videogames (i.e. “withdrawal”).Do you feel restless, irritable, moody, angry, anxious or sad when attempting to cut down or stop gaming, or when you are unable to play?
3. the need to spend an increased amount of time involved in video games (i.e. “tolerance”). Do you feel the need to play for increasing amounts of time, play more exciting games, or use more powerful equipment to get the same amount of excitement you used to get?
4. failed attempts to control participation in videogames (i.e. “lose control”). . Do you feel that you should play less, but are unable to cut back on the amount of time you spend playing games?
5. losing interest in past hobbies and entertainment as a result of, and with the exception of, videogames (i.e., “surrender from other activities”).  Do you lose interest in or reduce participation in other recreational activities due to gaming?
6. continue to use videogames despite having knowledge of psychosocial problems (i.e. “continuation”). Do you continue to play games even though you are aware of negative consequences, such as not getting enough sleep, being late to school/work, spending too much money, having arguments with others, or neglecting important duties?
7. deceiving family members, therapists or others regarding the number of videogames (i.e. “fraud”). Do you lie to family, friends or others about how much you game, or try to keep your family or friends from knowing how much you game?
8. using videogames to escape or eliminate negative feelings (i.e., “escape”). Do you game to escape from or forget about personal problems, or to relieve uncomfortable feelings such as guilt, anxiety, helplessness or depression?
9. harm or lose relationships, work, or education or significant career opportunities because of participation with videogames (i.e. “negative consequences). Do you risk or lose significant relationships, or job, educational or career opportunities because of gaming?

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When to say that gaming has become a disorder?  

SELF CHECK: Starting by asking yourself the following questions could be helpful: Do other key aspects of your life, such as your relationships, career, or education, suffer because of your video gaming? Do you think that playing has become more of a compulsive activity than a passion for you? Is it possible that you are gaming to numb a more serious issue, such as depression?

Identifying an issue with oneself can be challenging. You may think that the amount of time you spend gaming is acceptable. However, it could be time to consider making a change if others who are close to you feel that it's too much. Playing videogames for more than 15-20 hrs/week becomes classified as addiction.

PARENT CHECK: Examine your child's performance at school and with friends if you're worried about how much time they spend gaming as a parent. Check that whether they become easily irritated or sensitive whenever asked to control their game time.

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Is it a form of addiction?

Addiction is defined as compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence.  

Gaming can turn from a hobby to addiction if the balance tips, i.e. playing games takes precedence over everything in life and despite being aware of the consequences one is unable to stop themselves from engaging in the activity.  

Physical consequences can be pain in wrist,neck,elbow, skin blisters, calluses, sleep disorders.  

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Is it limited to young people only?

Although the major population affected are adolescents,  the problems are not just limited to them only. There have been few case reports of adults who were diagnosed with IGD.  

In 2019, a case of a 28 year old man who was a builder by job, married and had 2 children was diagnosed with Internet Gaming Disorder and social anxiety disorder.  

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Causes of increasing IGD

There is no universal factors yet established as to who can get this addiction, but certain risk factors have been identified on studying the cases of the people being diagnosed with it. They are:  

• Feeling of being neglected in real world. Videogames provide a virtual reality where one feels a part of that world and thus can escape the rejections of real world.
• Using games to manage mood. Whenever one feels down or angry, turning towards games can uplift their mood which thus becomes a habit of escapism
• Low self esteem. In the virtual world one can hide their identity and become someone which they are unable to do so in real world and thus alleviate the distress of low self esteem
• Having an aggressive personality. Many videogames contain the components of battle fights  which acts as a means of letting out one’s aggressive impulses.
• Authoritarian parenting. People whom parents are too strict and rigid often find solace in the company found while playing games thus fulfilling their needs of love and belongingness
• Loneliness. The way our society and lifestyles are changing, one is becoming more vulnerable to loneliness.  

There can almost be any factor which could lead up to one being drawn in the web of internet gaming and the reward cycle of our brain keeps on demanding that pleasure again and again, thus breaking out of this vicious cycle becomes a hardwork task.

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Managing Internet Gaming Disorder  

Like any other addiction, whether behavioural or not, the only way to be positive that someone won't become addicted to video games is to never play them at all. But for individuals who have established an addiction, total abstinence can be overly cautious. As was previously noted, gaming can be a safe past time that brings a lot of happiness and is a fantastic (and affordable) way to unwind as part of a balanced lifestyle.

For those who would like to participate in video gaming, but wish to take some steps to prevent the possibility of addiction developing, some safeguards can be put in place:  

• Set a time limit for each gaming session (don't play for more than two hours at a time, for example).
• Don't play more than, say, two days in a row or every day.
• Every night, set a time for yourself to play that you don't want to play after. Try to give yourself at least an hour between ending your game and going to bed.
• Never bring gaming equipment on vacation. If you play games on your phone or other mobile devices that you must bring with you,try to  resist the urge to start playing while you're gone.
• Pay attention to any worries that those close to you may have about how much time you spend gaming, and always put essential connections before gaming.
• If you experience any of the above-mentioned indications and symptoms, or if you have attempted to quit gaming or reduce your gaming time but have been unsuccessful, get in touch with an addiction specialist right once.

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