Gaming Addiction Resource Guide?

NorCalRoach · 03-10-2008, 11:13 PM

I’m always curious about this subject. The research on this issue is relatively new and somewhat hard to prove to any certain degree either way. As a gaming community would it be appropriate or even helpful to include a one stop shop resource link/discussion that talks about current issues on gaming addiction? It could be a forum that anyone can continue to add relevant links and information or even share their experiences good or bad. It could also be a forum to debate the validity of gaming addiction itself.

My particular concern relative to gaming addiction is the overall long term affect on an above average gamer’s body. My definition of an “above average gamer” is a gamer (addicted or not) that spends an enormous amount of hours logged on a daily/weekly basis. How does spending so much time playing video games affect your eyesight, hearing, memory (short and long-term), and possibly even aging? Is sleep deprivation common among gamers? How does being 1 to 2 feet away from your monitor affect you for all those gaming hours? What about your other computer components with all that energy buzzing around in the box? Is any of it harmful over the long term? Maybe others have other type of questions that pertain to this issue.

I can’t say whether I am or not addicted. Yes I spend too much money on games, Yes my family and I have constant arguments about my time gaming, but No I don’t think it’s a problem because I get my shit done, pay my bills, get laid, and still understand where my priorities are. Others may not. Then again, I might be in denial. In either case, just my thought on how focusedgaming.com community members might benefit. I realize that a resource for addicted gamers on a gaming site is arguable, much like the warnings on a cigarette pack about cancer. Not sure if it’s helpful in the end. Having a forum on this subject would be interesting to me at the very least, but is it appropriate or even welcomed by the rest of you?

**Tybalt** · 03-10-2008, 11:51 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaming_...ible_diagnosis

Though video game addiction is not included as a diagnosis in either the DSM or the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, it is suggested that the symptoms of a video game addiction would be similar to that of other psychological addictions.[6] Like compulsive gambling, video game addiction is said to be an impulse control disorder.[7][8] While no diagnostic criteria have yet been established for video game addiction, the symptoms of impulse control disorder include regular or repetitive displays of at least five of the following:[9][10]

1. Persistent thoughts of the activity or performance of the activity.
2. Need for increased time spent on the activity to achieve satisfaction or diminished reward for the same amount of time spent on the activity.
3. Inability to control, stop or diminish the behavior.
4. Restlessness or irritability when prevented from partaking in the activity.
5. Lying to friends or family about extent of involvement with activity.
6. Committing illegal acts to sustain activity.
7. Relying on others to finance activity.

It's the last three items which really separate an "addiction" from the more innocuous "habit." IMO.