Gaming disorder
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Understanding Gaming Disorder: Cognitive Factors, Development, and Treatment
Cognitive Factors in Internet Gaming Disorder
Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) has been recognized as a potential mental health disorder, characterized by a range of cognitive factors. Research has identified four primary cognitive factors underlying IGD: beliefs about game reward value and tangibility, maladaptive and inflexible rules about gaming behavior, over-reliance on gaming to meet self-esteem needs, and gaming as a method of gaining social acceptance . These cognitive factors suggest that IGD involves more complex cognitions than mere preoccupation with gaming, including the persistent overvaluation of gaming rewards and adherence to maladaptive gaming rules .
Development and Lifespan Trajectories of Gaming Disorder
Gaming disorder is marked by impaired control over gaming behaviors, leading to significant negative consequences and functional impairments. Longitudinal studies have highlighted the importance of conceptualizing gaming disorder from a developmental framework to understand its trajectories across the lifespan. Common risk factors include emotion dysregulation and negative self-esteem, while consequences often involve increased anxiety, poor parental relationships, and decreased life satisfaction and academic performance . The temporal stability of gaming disorder varies with age and study duration, indicating that various psychosocial factors interact to influence its development and maintenance .
Epidemiology and Diagnostic Criteria
The inclusion of gaming disorder in the DSM-5 and ICD-11 underscores its significance as a mental health issue. Prevalence rates vary, with national surveys indicating rates of 10-15% among young people in several Asian countries and 1-10% in Western countries . The disorder shares features with other addictions, such as those related to psychoactive substances and gambling, with similar brain regions being activated . The DSM-5 criteria for IGD include nine criteria, and the most practical diagnostic tool is the dichotomous 9-item IGD scale, which has shown solid psychometric properties .
Treatment Approaches for Gaming Disorder
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered an effective treatment for IGD, although the efficacy of various treatments remains under investigation. A systematic review identified 22 studies evaluating treatments for IGD, including medication, cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, and other psychosocial interventions . Despite the recent increase in clinical trials, methodological flaws prevent strong conclusions about the efficacy of any specific treatment, highlighting the need for well-designed studies using common metrics for assessing IGD symptoms .
Cognitive Function and Brain Changes in Gaming Disorder
Extensive video gaming has been associated with both positive and negative changes in cognitive function. Pro gamers, who engage in extensive gaming without negative symptoms, show structural and functional brain alterations that enhance cognitive control and attention . In contrast, individuals with gaming disorder exhibit brain changes associated with impaired cognitive control and higher levels of craving for video games . These findings suggest that factors such as gaming expertise, duration, severity of gaming disorder, and self-control modulate the impact of extensive gaming on cognitive function .
Conclusion
Gaming disorder is a complex mental health issue influenced by various cognitive, developmental, and psychosocial factors. Understanding the cognitive underpinnings, developmental trajectories, and effective treatments for gaming disorder is crucial for advancing clinical research and improving therapeutic interventions. Further research is needed to refine diagnostic criteria, develop standardized assessment tools, and establish evidence-based treatments to address the growing concerns related to excessive gaming.
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