More and more parents are bringing their children to the therapist’s or doctor’s office to address behavioral concerns such as increased irritability, failing grades, lack of interest in things that were previously enjoyable to the child (such as sports), and difficulty sleeping. Although these used to be the diagnostic indicators of pediatric depression, more and more these symptoms have become tell-tale signs of video-game addiction.
The Similarity between Video Games and Drug Use
Research has demonstrated that the brain becomes flooded with large amounts of dopamine during video game play in the same way that this chemical is released during the use of dangerous drugs such as amphetamines. Dopamine is a mood regulating hormone and excessive amounts create a “high.” Because of this, addiction to video-games can be chemical, not just psychological. In fact, the world’s first Video Game Detox Center was recently opened in the Netherlands where actual physical withdrawal symptoms have been noted among patients. "
Researchers and clinicians are becomingly increasingly concerned about this emerging epidemic and note that addiction to video games arrests the social, occupational, and emotional development of children and adolescents in the same way that alcohol and drugs can. Like any addiction, early intervention is imperative.
Is Your Child a Video Game Addict?
Currently, there is no clinically established diagnostic criterion for this phenomenon. However, clinicians who regularly treat this addiction may ask parents variations of the following questions:
- Does your child play almost every day?
- Does he or she play for extended periods (more than three or four hours at a time)?
- Does your child seem to lose all track of time when he or she plays?
- Does your child play for excitement?
- Is your child irritable if he or she can't play?
- Will your child sacrifice social and sporting activities to play?
- Are his or her grades suffering because of video game play?
- Have you tried to limit playing time, but in vain?
Answering “yes” to just one of these questions indicates a problem with video games. The more items answered “yes” the greater the problem, and the more likely there is an addiction.
Prevention and Treatment
Like any addiction, prevention is easier (and more affordable) than treatment. Here are some things to consider:
- Avoid starting early. The younger a child is allowed to play video games (even on a computer or Game Boy) the more likely they are to develop an addiction.
- Limit access. Keep game systems and computers in common areas of the house. Children are more likely to develop an addiction if they are allowed to hole up in their room in private for hours upon hours.
- Create a media time limit to include TV, video games and computer usage for your children, such as 2-3 hours a day (perhaps more on the weekend depending on grades and homework, and less on school nights). With a media time limit your children can choose how to use their time. The sense of freedom helps them feel less restricted. However, they will become more time conscious and want to use that precious time wisely.
- Set firm limits. Don’t give in when the child says “Just five more minutes,” or “Just one more level.”
- Keep your children busy and involved. Sports and other extra curricular activities are vital in this culture to prevent any kind of addiction.
- Seek intervention. If you suspect your child has a video game problem or a video game addiction and have tried in vain to correct it, seek the help of qualified professionals.
Angela Ann Holloway - Angela Holloway is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She lives in Southern California and has a private practice in Rancho ...
