Gaming Disorders: Detection and Intervention

How are Gaming Disorders diagnosed?

To be diagnosed with a Gaming Disorder, the following symptoms need to be observed over a 12 month period:

• Impaired control over gaming practices (preoccupied, withdrawal symptoms when gaming is not possible)
• Increasing priority is given to gaming over other areas of life, and other interests. (For example, stop engaging in social activities, other hobbies or experiencing sleep disturbances)
• Continuing to game despite negative repercussions (WHO, 2018).

This is not to suggest that children cannot play video games or shouldn’t enjoy some screen time on the iPad; it can be a useful tool to develop hand-eye-coordination, teach problem-solving skills or relieve stress (Granic, Lobel, & Engels, 2014; Li, Chen, & Chen, 2016).

Likewise, it is important to reflect on the changes that have occurred in ‘gaming culture’ over the decades. Typically speaking, games developed today are more interactive and complex and more accessible for consumers. There is also a social aspect to it; often, games can connect players to friends and others across the world. When making a diagnosis, a professional will also consider the context for each child.

Awareness around Gaming Disorders is more about making ourselves mindful of what too much focus could lead to. As a parent, listen to your gut instinct in these situations. Ask yourself, has my child’s mood changed negatively from continuous play? Do you feel like they need to cut down the time/frequency of play? Are they losing social connections? Is their school work suffering without other explanation?’

Seeking Intervention

While only a small proportion of individuals who engage in gaming activities will go on to develop a disorder, it is important to check in with your child as to how much time they are investing in their gaming. Rather than telling your child they cannot play (in turn making it more desirable), you may want to check-in and see whether they feel in control of their gameplay.

If gaming appears to be having a significant effect on your child’s mental health and/or other areas of life, it is important to start intervention as soon as possible rather than waiting for a major incident to occur. Evidence-based intervention for Gaming Disorders recommends a cognitive behavioural approach, including monitoring time spent gaming while simultaneously addressing the thoughts that maintain gameplay (King, Delfabbro, & Griffiths, 2010).

Gaming Disorders may also be a potential warning sign for other areas requiring intervention (anxiety, depression, bullying, etc).

Here at The Quirky Kid Clinic, our experienced team of Psychologists are more than happy to meet with you to discuss any concerns you have in relation to your child’s development and behaviour.

We always start with a parent only consultation to ensure that we get a thorough understanding of your child’s developmental history and a sense of your families identity, history and cultural dynamics. From here, we provide an individualised case plan dependent on your child and families needs. Please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly reception on (02) 9362 9297.