One in ten gamers’ exhibit signs of addiction--study

Gaming is not yet officially recognized as a disorder but the temptation of the complex realistic characters and strategic challenges is so compelling, that people of all ages, especially young boys would rather play the latest video game than hang out with friends or indulge in sports or even watch television.

Associate professor Vladan Starcevic at the Psychological Medicine Department of Nepean Hospital in Sydney, lead author of the study stated, “For a significant number, escape into virtual reality becomes a compelling experience worth sacrificing considerable periods of time as well as real-world activities and responsibilities.”

2000 compulsive gamers assessed
In an effort to assess whether gaming has become a full blown obsession from merely an entertaining pastime, the researchers conducted a study on almost 2,000 computer-game players aged 14 and above.

The investigators found that for 156 participants gaming was an uncontrollable compulsion.

As is the case with all addictions, so enthralled were they by the fantasy world of gaming that it was taking a toll on family, friends, work, and studies.

Half of the “problem gamers” confessed that excessive playing was becoming a financial drain to their resources, while a few had tried to cut back on their playing, but to no avail.

Three quarters were facing problems in sleeping and concentrating in the work because of the video games.

Additionally, the researchers noted that gaming addiction was more pronounced in the young, single males as opposed to the women, middle-aged, and married people.

Some warning signs of gaming addiction
Some warning signs of gaming addiction perceived by the investigators were longer hours spent with the pastime than intended.

Feelings of restlessness, irritation and a recurrent urge to play persisting when not engaged in the game.

A compulsive player tends to become a social recluse and suffers from sore eyes, back pain, and strain injuries.

Defending the pastime Mario Wynands, chief executive of Wellington company Sidhe Interactive, New Zealand’s largest computer-game maker stated, "Video games can be a very compelling hobby, just like going to the gym or reading. You can become engrossed in a good book and time flies by and before you know it you have spent an hour longer reading than you intended."

He added, "The issue was whether people were neglecting other aspects of their life. Ultimately, it comes down to the individual and their situation whether or not it is a problem. People have to weigh up the priorities in their lives and how they want to spend their time."

The research has been published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry.