Gaming disorder is characterized by a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behaviour (‘digital gaming’ or ‘video-gaming’), which may be online (i.e., over the internet) or offline, manifested by: 1) impaired control over gaming (e.g., onset, frequency, intensity, duration, termination, context); 2) increasing priority given to gaming to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities; and 3) continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences. The behaviour pattern is of sufficient severity to result in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning. The pattern of gaming behaviour may be continuous or episodic and recurrent. The gaming behaviour and other features are normally evident over a period of at least 12 months in order for a diagnosis to be assigned, although the required duration may be shortened if all diagnostic requirements are met and symptoms are severe.
Obviously everyone who plays video games does not have a mental health disorder. It has to do with the amount of time played, the frequency, and the degree of involvement in the game. Believe it or not, the average gamer is a 35 year old male! That statistic surprised me. Little is known about how to treat "gaming disorder." I assume treatment would be similar to any other addictive activity, like shopping or games on your phone or computer.
Our society has become one of excess. We seem to overdo everything. Use of the computer, the mobile phone, TV. We overeat, overdrink and take drugs in excess. It's a cultural thing. Now excessive gaming is just another excess to add to the list. I think of my mom's words from decades ago. "Everything in moderation." Good words to live by, mom.
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