Video Game addiction, also called video game overuse, is a proposed form of psychological addiction[1] composed of a compulsive use of computer and video games, most notably massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), and related to the also-debated Internet addiction disorder. Instances have been reported in which users play compulsively, isolating themselves from social contact and focusing almost entirely on in-game achievements rather than life events.[2][3]

In the United States, the question of video game addiction has occasioned much debate. The American Medical Association met in June of 2007 to discuss the topic of Mr Horniblow's (Birmingham, UK) problem, determining that further research was needed before video game addiction could be considered a formal diagnosis and urging the American Psychiatric Association to study whether the diagnosis would be appropriate for inclusion in the 2012 American Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.[4] Dr. Louis Kraus, a spokesman for the APA, told press in June of 2007 that behaviors mimicking addiction among game players may actually indicate other psychiatric problems, like social anxiety or depression.[5] Michael Brody of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry indicated that though he did believe video games could be addicting, he did not necessarily believe the diagnosis warranted inclusion in the DSM.[6] In its official statement on June 25, 2007, the APA said it "does not consider 'video game addiction' to be a mental disorder at this time," but it did not rule out the possibility that such a diagnosis could be confirmed by 2012.[7]



Possible diagnosis

Though video game addiction is not included as a diagnosis in either the DSM or the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, it is suggested that the symptoms of a video game addiction would be similar to that of other psychological addictions.[8] Like compulsive gambling, video game addiction is said to be an impulse control disorder.[9][10] While no diagnostic criteria have yet been established for video game addiction, the symptoms of impulse control disorder include regular or repetitive displays of at least five of the following:[11][12]

Persistent thoughts of the activity or performance of the activity.(Preoccupation)
Use of activity to escape problems or relieve bad mood.(Preoccupation)
Need for increased time spent on the activity to achieve satisfaction or diminished reward for the same amount of time spent on the activity.(Tolerance)
Inability to control, stop or diminish the behavior.(Loss of control)
Restlessness or irritability when prevented from partaking in the activity.(Withdrawal)
Lying to friends or family about extent of involvement with activity.(Continuance despite adverse consequences)
Committing illegal acts to sustain activity.(Continuance despite adverse consequences)
Jeopardizing or losing relationships, career or educational opportunities to pursue activity.(Continuance despite adverse consequences)
Relying on others to finance activity.(Continuance despite adverse consequences)


Prevalence

No formal studies have been published addressing the prevalence of a possible video game addiction. A Harris Interactive poll released in April of 2007 found that 8.5% of "youth gamers" in the United States could be "classified as pathological or clinically 'addicted' to playing video games."[13] A British survey reported in November of 2006 indicated 12% of polled gamers exhibit addictive behaviors.[14] Video game overuse is believed to be more of a problem in Asia.[6] A governmental survey in South Korea estimated that 2.4% of South Koreans aged 9 to 39 are addicts, with 10.2 percent more "borderline cases."[15]

A 2005 survey by the Entertainment Software Association found that "video game overuse" was more common in players of MMORPGs.[16] In an interview in 2005, Dr. Maressa Orzack of McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts estimated that 40% of the 8.5 million players of MMORPG World of Warcraft are addicted, a figure she derived from the survey managed by Nick Yee at the The Daedalus Project. [17]



Possible causes

According to the synthesis of research presented to the American Medical Association in June of 2007, those who overuse video games often find themselves more successful in conducting virtual relationships than real world relationships.[8] A 2004 study on internet addicts, which population includes online gamers, found four common indicators: (1) shyness, (2) lack of spiritual faith, (3) belief that others control their lives, and (4) an elevated belief in chance as an influence on their lives.[18] Some theorists focus on the built-in reward systems of the games to explain their addictive nature.[19][20]


Treatment

Some countries, like South Korea, have responded to the perceived threat of video game addiction by opening treatment centers.[15] The Chinese government operates several clinics to treat those addicted to online games, chatting and web surfing. Treatment for the patients, most of whom have been forced to attend by parents or government officials, may include yelling, psychiatric counseling, electrical shock treatment, and antidepressant drugs normally used in mental institutions.[21][22]

China also introduced an anti-online gaming addiction system in 2005 intended to reduce addiction by diminishing in-game rewards after three hours of play.[23] In 2006, the system was altered so that users over 18 did not face the limitations.[24] Reports indicate underage gamers are finding ways to circumvent the measure.[25]

In June of 2006, the Smith and Jones clinic in Amsterdam became the first treatment facility in Europe to offer a residential treatment program for compulsive gamers.[26] McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts has set up Computer Addiction Services. Elsewhere, gamers may seek services at generalized addiction support centers. At one such center in Richmond, Canada, excessive gaming accounts for 80% of one youth counselor's caseload.[27]

On-Line Gamers Anonymous has been around for many years to provide support and help for gamers who want to quit, as well as for affected family members. The group uses a 12-step approach to facilitate healing.




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