Games can be embedded in social networking sites, such as Facebook.

Since the 1950s, gaming has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry.

Some people are concerned about the long-term effects of video game playing, particularly in children.

boy enjoying video game console at home

Carol Yepes / Moment / Getty Images

Some people are simply very enthusiastic about them and that is how they enjoy spending their free time.

How Common Is Video Game Addiction?

MMORPGs make up 25% of gaming revenue worldwide.

These games hold many attractions for gamersthey are interactive, social, competitive, and happen in real-time.

Research indicates that MMORPGs are more addictive in nature.

Diagnosis of Video Game Addiction

Like otherbehavioral addictions, video game addiction is a controversial idea.

Internet gaming disorder, however, is included as a condition for further study in the DSM.

Although it is not yet recognized fully as a disorder, proposed criteria have been published.

Symptoms must also be present for a year or longer.

The younger that children begin playing video games, the more likely they are to develop dependence-like behaviors.

As with other addictive behaviors, there is a range of different responses to the activity.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

2019;16(11).

doi:10.3346/jkms.2019.34.e162

American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

5th ed, text revision.

Washington, D.C.; 2022.