The psychiatrist listed the consequences of addiction to video games

Excessive video game addiction disrupts teenagers' sleep, studies, and social life. According to Bradley Zicherman, MD, clinical associate professor of psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford Medical University, addiction to video games can be similar to gambling, social media or alcohol. This was reported on December 8 by Medical Xpress magazine.

Video games are becoming a serious problem for teenagers, whose brains are particularly susceptible to addiction, and games themselves, with their improved graphics and user interaction, provide better dopamine emissions. Zicherman stressed that families with teenage children should be aware of this problem and the possibility of getting help in case of severe addiction.

Modern video games are much more "sticky" for teenagers compared to the old ones, which have pixel graphics. They also have complex plots, multiple levels, and opportunities for interaction between many players, which provokes addiction. In addition, the pandemic could have played a role in increasing addiction, as it interrupted the usual activities and many parents did not limit screen time.,

Dr. Zicherman noted that after the opening of the Youth Recovery Clinic in 2019, he expected that most patients would be referred due to substance abuse. However, now about a third of cases relate to dependence on screen time, including video games and social networks.

Video game addiction has nine criteria, among which there is an excessive fascination with games, withdrawal symptoms in their absence, and unsuccessful attempts to reduce playing time. When the patient meets at least five points, he is diagnosed.

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Some patients admit that they need help (for example, teenagers who spend a lot of time on social media). However, as Zicherman noted, they often don't realize the problems with video games, even when they spend a lot of time playing them.

"Almost all of my referrals come from my parents. For example, they are very upset that their children do not go to bed on time; I can give examples where patients often played until three or four in the morning. They couldn't go to school or function normally the next day," Zicherman said.

According to the publication, it is possible to help teenagers with video game addiction through gradual steps. You should start by consulting with a pediatrician, who can help you create a screen time management plan and refer you to specialists.

After establishing trust with the teenager, the specialists begin to work with the family on a plan to reduce the time spent playing video games. Zicherman emphasized that such measures help improve all aspects of their lives — mood, anxiety, sleep, and overall functionality.

On November 25, Medical Xpress reported on the impact of abandoning social media on the psyche of the younger generation. According to the publication, with a decrease in time on social networks, a so-called quick reboot occurs in the psyche, which can also be accompanied by a decrease in anxiety levels. According to scientists, reducing time can be a useful element of psychotherapy approaches, but social networks still perform an important function in maintaining contacts.

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