Is Gaming addiction a mental health condition ?

Associate
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23 Nov 2013
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I heard on the radio a few weeks back , 'NHS recognises gaming addiction as a treatable mental health condition " or something of that affect .

I am really torn on this , gaming is part of me , from a very young age , my dad purchased a commodore 64 , I spent hours , until next day playing dropzone and games like gouls and ghosts . Steadily until the age of 34 I have upgraded at every chance and further played games to my heart's content , often taking time off school to play . Most of my closest friends relationships were formed from playing multiplayer games after school , so they have been part of my social conditioning . I really love gaming , even now I have very friendly relationships with people online , even girls - that I would not otherwise know .. As time goes on games have become more and more immersive , even more so with with the advent of VR . The more immersive games become , the more time it seems you can invest . I can easily fire up a game after work and find its the early hours within what seems like a few hours .
. Though , as corny as it sounds , I am really questioning what if I spent this time doing something more productive with myself , like learning an instrument , new languages , travelling . Part of me inside yearns to become a better version of myself , more educated , better career opportunities , more travelled , more socialised , more rounded - the list goes on . Sometimes I honestly feel depressed after investing so much time into a game , then facing the reality of doing 'grown up ' chores .

I just wonder what your views were on gaming addiction , what would you class as addiction ? Did you have it ? How did you manage it ? What things have you achieved by reducing gaming ?
 
Soldato
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Think it just applies to those who spend 15+ hours daily on gaming.

I've gamed for over three decades now, and although I have had some decent stints at times - often running into the wee hours; I would never put gaming over basic things such as hygiene and eating/drinking, or being with actual people.

People just need self control imo.
 
Soldato
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I think it has potential to become an addiction and those affected will display the characteristics of an addict but I think there is a danger than by classifying it as a medical condition you are legitimising the problem and creating a cop out for people who spend all day sitting on their backsides playing games. "Its not my fault, I have a medical condition".

Having said that a lot is down to perception. My 9 year old nephew spends a lot of time online playing games with his pals. We had a scenario a few Sundays ago when the extended family were round and we decided to watch a film, we bemoaned his lack of attendance as he was away in his room, headphones on, in another world playing FIFA. We then proceeded to spend the next two hours all sat in silence passively staring at the tv. Which ones of us had the more productive 2 hours? Us sitting watching the film or my nephew improving his hand/eye co-ordination and talking with his friends? Yet he is the one who will be slated for being isolated!! I suppose anything done to excess is an issue but how much time do we "waste" watching TV/Sport/films?
 
Soldato
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It has the potential to be addictive to some for sure.

I used to be a bit of an addict at 18-20. But I just grew out of it and barely play games these days. But I do think it's a minority that may have a real issue with games.... and usually the issue isn't games themselves but other things in their life that are lacking.
 
Soldato
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Yes it's something to which you can become addicted.
But contrary to some suggestions being bandied around, it is NOT a separate disorder in its own right. It's just bog standard addiction disorder.
 
Caporegime
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if you would rather play games than interact with other humans in real life. play them with zero regard for your hygiene, health and life, etc. then yes it's probably a mental health issue.

there is a difference between playing here and there and then doing it all the time.

you could even consider the indoctrination of islam plays on mental health, as you are forced to pray 5 times a day every day, fasting, eating halal, wearing a burka/hijab, etc. it takes over all aspects of your life. it's why a lot of folk with mental health issues convert and are easy to convert.
 
Caporegime
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When I was younger, I've been addicted to MMORPG's before, but only for weeks and not months.

I do play a lot of games still but not to the point of obsession. I might still have the odd 12 hours in a day sesh if the other-half is away...
 
Caporegime
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I would say any addiction is a mental condition BUT gaming can be quite educational if you play the right type of games and it's not damaging unlike a lot of other societal addictions unless you take it to absolute extremes to the point of neglecting your bodies' needs

I think with gaming a lot of people just do it out of boredom rather than outright addiction, similar to TV. If they have something better to do they can happily go without. I'd be more concerned by people addicted to social media and the need for attention and those who can never put their phone down in public/social spaces when you're trying to have a conversation with them.
 
Man of Honour
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Yes gaming can be an addiction but the symptoms of addiction are likely just the manifestation of the underlying mental health condition.

This.

I spend quite a bit of time gaming and in younger days quite significant amounts of time - but I have no problem walking away and not spending time gaming either.
 
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