Internet Gaming Disorder
A condition involving persistent and recurrent use of the internet to engage in games, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
Overview
Internet gaming disorder involves persistent and recurrent gaming, often with other users, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress across multiple areas of functioning.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can include preoccupation with gaming, withdrawal symptoms when gaming is taken away, loss of interest in previous hobbies, and continued excessive gaming despite awareness of negative consequences. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause is not fully understood. Reward-system sensitivity, co-occurring mental health conditions, and social or environmental factors are each associated with risk.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy adapted for problematic gaming behaviors may help reduce symptoms and improve functioning.
Living With Internet Gaming Disorder
Structured limits on gaming time and rebuilding engagement with other activities can support recovery.
When to Seek Professional Help
Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.
Emergency Situations
If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.
Outlook
Treatment response varies; many individuals improve with structured behavioral intervention and family support.
Related Conditions
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
- National Institute of Mental Health.
- World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.