Digital Gaming, Addiction, and Mental Health: Understanding Internet Gaming Disorder
As part of PRMS’ ongoing efforts to support the behavioral healthcare community and to promote the organizations that work towards this mission, we are pleased to highlight our partner, the American Society for Adolescent Psychiatry (ASAP), and Dr. Mayank Gupta, President of ASAP and a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent and Adult psychiatrist in DuBois, PA, as a featured guest blogger this month. Dr. Gupta details the factors that lead to Internet Gaming Disorder (IDG) and its affects.
The Rise of Digital Gaming: Exploring the Fine Line Between Entertainment and Addiction
Digital gaming has experienced a remarkable rise in popularity over the past few decades, becoming a pervasive and widely accessible activity for people of all ages. As gaming technology has advanced rapidly, it has transformed the landscape of entertainment, making games more immersive and engaging. However, this surge in gaming has raised an important question: Does the rapid technological evolution in gaming exploit vulnerabilities that could potentially lead to addiction? The concept of play, including videogames, is deeply ingrained in human development, but the boundaries between recreational gaming, excessive use, and addiction have become increasingly blurred. This growing concern is evident as more individuals struggle with functional complications related to gaming that clearly exceed mere enjoyment. The complexity of these issues has contributed to a broader conversation about mental health crises and the role of gaming in these challenges.
Understanding IGD and Its Links to Mental Health Risks
In response to these concerns, the DSM-5-TR has recognized Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) as a condition that warrants further research. This inclusion reflects an increasing awareness of the need to understand and address the potential risks associated with excessive gaming. Research into IGD has revealed that it can produce neurobiological changes like those observed in nicotine addiction. These findings underscore how certain aspects of gaming technology, such as design features that encourage prolonged engagement, may contribute to the development of addictive behaviors.
Additionally, individuals with a history of diagnosed psychiatric conditions appear to be at a heightened risk of developing IGD. This suggests that pre-existing mental health conditions may exacerbate susceptibility to gaming addiction, creating a more vulnerable population.
Broader IGD Definitions and Effective Screening for Gaming Addiction
Given the rapid pace of technological advancement, there is a growing need for broader terminologies and definitions to accurately capture the scope of IGD. Enhanced education about IGD, coupled with the development of readily accessible screening tools, could play a crucial role in facilitating early detection and referral to specialized care. While specific evidence-based interventions for IGD are still limited, approaches utilizing motivational interviewing and harm reduction models have shown promise in addressing the disorder. To effectively manage IGD, the establishment of a standardized approach to screening and treatment is essential. Clinicians must address the neurobiological aspects of IGD to ensure that interventions are targeted and effective. Therefore, a heightened awareness of risk factors associated with IGD is key to early identification and intervention, helping to mitigate the potential impact of this growing issue.
2024 APA Plenary: Exploring Tech Gaming, Neurodevelopmental Risks, and Addiction
At the recent 2024 American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting, ASAP’s leadership had the honor of presenting a presidential plenary session dedicated to exploring the intersection of tech gaming designs and neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities. This session, which featured insights from three esteemed speakers, sought to shed light on a pressing issue that spans multiple age groups, with a particular focus on those in developmentally sensitive stages.
Our discussion centered on several critical areas, including the phenomenon of societal gamification—a troubling trend where game design elements inadvertently increase reinforcing effects. We also examined the correlations between tech gaming and substance use disorders, highlighting how these seemingly separate issues can intertwine in complex ways. Additionally, we addressed various psychiatric psychopathologies linked to these gaming practices.
The plenary aimed to provide a nuanced understanding of these issues from diverse vantage points, emphasizing the need for continued research and awareness. The scope and nature of these problems continue to impact clinical presentations and practices, making it essential for the psychiatric community to stay informed and proactive.
For those interested in a deeper dive into the plenary discussion, The American Society for Adolescent Psychiatry welcomes new members to participate in our many special interest groups, and has made the slide deck available to anyone online here. For those interested in developing a critical understanding of these issues, we recommend referring to the ASAP members' PubMed publication available here.
Dr. Mayank Gupta
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