Thriveworks video game addiction counseling in Maumelle, AR helps people who have an obsession with playing video games as well as with internet gaming disorder. People may have mild, moderate, or severe internet gaming disorder if they struggle to control how often or how long they game. The symptoms of internet gaming disorder may include deceiving loved ones about when and how often they play, thinking constantly about gaming, and using video games as a distraction from real-world problems.
Video Game Addiction Counseling in Maumelle, AR—Counselors and Therapists
Mental health professionals are still studying whether an inability to regulate one’s video game use fits the clinical definition of addiction, but they are clear about several things: Many people have a hard time stopping their game play. Many people play more often than they want. Many people try to stop gaming and cannot. Many people are forming emotional attachments to games or their avatars.
The therapists at Thriveworks Maumelle are seeing children, teens, adults who have difficulty controlling their video game habits. Help is available. Counseling techniques such as cognitive behavior therapy are proving effective at managing video game compulsion. If you or your child need help, reach out today to get started with a Thriveworks Maumelle provider.
Internet Gaming Disorder
People frequently use the term “video game addiction” to describe the same behaviors that The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) labels as “internet gaming disorder.” The DSM-5 calls for further study before categorizing it as an addition, but the symptoms it gives for internet gaming disorder have many similarities to other behavioral addictions such as gambling.
According to the DSM-5, people may struggle with mild, moderate, or severe internet gaming disorder, depending upon how many of the following symptoms they present:
- Attempting to curb or quit gaming with no sustained change.
- Feeling preoccupied with games and game play–thinking about them all the time, whether or not one is playing.
- Playing longer and/or more often to feel satiated–building a tolerance to gaming.
- Escaping challenging emotions (guilt, anxiety, fear, sadness, loneliness, boredom, and anxiety) through game play.
- Feeling withdrawal symptoms when curbing or stopping play (feeling restless, depression, irritable, and/or moody).
- Avoiding real-world problems or challenges by gaming.
- Lying and deceiving about one’s video game habits.
How Does A Gaming Compulsion Form?
Mental health professionals are still searching for definitive answers on how a gaming compulsion can form, but one theory is that the narratives of video games contribute to the disorder. Social networking games, mobile games, and massively multi-player online role-playing games (MMORPG) write compulsion loops, also called core loops, into the game’s storyline.
These loops present players with a series of challenges and rewards. Each reward leads immediately into the next challenge, thus, looping players further into the game. With each reward, dopamine is also released in a player’s brain, connecting the experience of playing with pleasure.
Counseling for Gaming Disorders at Thriveworks Maumelle
As you read through the symptoms and signs of internet gaming disorder, did you recognizing any of the behaviors? In yourself? In your child? If so, you may be among the growing number of people who struggle with video game addiction. A growing number of people are also reaching out for help from mental health professionals to take back control of their gaming habits.
If you want to meet with a therapist at Thriveworks Maumelle, we have appointments available, and we see adolescents and adults. It may also be helpful to know that…
- Weekend and evening sessions are available.
- We accept many different insurance plans.
- There is no waitlist at our office.
Are you ready to take back control of your video game habits? We are ready to help. Contact Thriveworks Maumelle today.
