Take Control of Your Life with Treatment for Gaming Addiction

Millions of Americans play video games every day, and internet gaming is a booming market. As the gaming industry continues to rise in popularity, gaming addiction has made headlines in the news. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) added gaming disorder to the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). And while it is not formally recognized by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), “Internet Gaming Disorder” was included in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5®) as a condition for further study. Researchers have found that 0.3 to 1.0 percent of the general population might qualify for a potential diagnosis of internet gaming disorder^[1].

If you or a loved one are struggling with the repercussions of gaming addiction, professional treatment is paramount to a successful recovery. A renowned board-certified psychiatrist backed by 15 years of professional experience and a fellowship at Yale, Dr. Daniel Bober routinely helps these types of patients at his Hollywood, FL, practice. He can develop a personalized addiction treatment plan to address your unique situation and enable you to get your life back on track.

Silhouette of man playing video game — Without proper treatment, gaming addiction can completely consume your life.

Defining Gaming Addiction

According to the ICD-11, gaming addiction, or gaming disorder, is classified as, "a disorder due to addictive behavior." The ICD-11 goes on to define gaming addiction as a pattern of gaming behavior characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences^[2].

Taking in a number of criteria to determine a diagnosis, the proposed symptoms of gaming addiction from the APA include^[3]:

Preoccupation with gaming
Withdrawal symptoms when gaming is taken away or not possible (sadness, anxiety, irritability)
Tolerance, the need to spend more time gaming to satisfy the urge
Inability to reduce playing, unsuccessful attempts to quit gaming
Giving up other activities, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities due to gaming
Continuing to game despite problems
Deceiving family members or others about the amount of time spent on gaming
The use of gaming to relieve negative moods, such as guilt or hopelessness
Risk, having jeopardized or lost a job or relationship due to gaming

Under this proposed criteria, a diagnosis would require someone experiencing five or more of the symptoms within a year^[3].

*A growing number of Americans are affected by gaming addiction^[1].*

Treatment Options

Struggling with an addiction is extremely difficult, and many patients may not seek treatment. Some may be in denial about having an addiction, while others may believe they are in control of their behavior, thinking they can quit whenever they want. The reality is, without proper treatment, gaming addiction can completely consume someone's life.

If you or a loved one are struggling with the repercussions of gaming addiction, professional treatment is paramount to a successful recovery.

Seeking professional help is crucial for recovering from gaming addiction. Contacting a knowledgeable and experienced psychiatrist like Dr. Bober in Hollywood, FL, is a major step towards receiving a professional diagnosis so that you can begin the road towards recovery. Dr. Bober can tailor a treatment plan to support your mental and overall health so that together, you can work towards effective results. Treatment options include:

Medication

If your gaming addiction is exacerbated by a mental health disorder, Dr. Bober may prescribe carefully selected medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, and antipsychotics.

Therapy

Prescribed on its own, or in conjunction with medication, Dr. Bober works closely with a psychologist who can help you improve your emotional state and reduce your symptoms with therapy.

Support Groups

You are not alone in your struggle against gaming addiction. A support group can provide a comforting environment where patients can feel heard and understood.

Get Much-Needed Help

If you or a loved one are dealing with the repercussions of gaming addiction, Dr. Bober in Hollywood, FL, offers effective professional treatment. The first step towards addressing your issues is admitting you have a problem. Dr. Bober can help you the rest of the way. To begin your journey towards a better you, call (954) 994-1115 to request a consultation today.