Video Game Addiction: Mental Health Impacts and Solutions

Q: Video Game Addiction: Mental Health Impacts and Solutions

Hello, Miss Lai： For adults struggling with internet addiction, the most important factor is to evoke their intrinsic motivation to change. <br>It is difficult to force them to change through external pressure; the more coercive the approach, the stronger their resistance may bec

Video game addiction, obesity, violent tendencies, and inability to distinguish right from wrong?

Hello Doctor, I have a 30-year-old brother who has been addicted to video games since the second grade.
As the only child in the family, our parents have high expectations for him.
When he was younger, my mother would use video games as a reward, so he managed to do well in school and attended a private junior high, a public high school, and a public university (he took an extra year after high school to retake exams and another year to graduate from university).
He doesn’t seem to have any friends; his life revolves around video games, making him very introverted and reclusive.
After spending five years studying away from home, he returned home and became overweight, with a diet consisting mainly of junk food and fried foods.
He spends all day playing video games except when he sleeps.
During his military service, he struggled due to his weight and expressed suicidal thoughts to our mother, claiming that if she didn’t help him, he would take drastic measures (not sure if he learned this from PPT?).
Ultimately, he was discharged after three months.
After returning home, he continued to play video games.
He eventually found a job but after a year, he expressed a desire to take the civil service exam.
However, he couldn't control his behavior and continued playing video games.
He then had an opportunity to work in the city government through a contract position, which offered benefits and salary similar to a civil servant.
Yet, after two years, he decided to resign to pursue the civil service exam, disregarding everyone’s objections.
He only studied for one to two hours a day, spending the rest of his time playing video games, often until the early hours of the morning and sleeping until noon.
It seems he doesn’t want to work at all! He just looks for excuses to avoid work and have more time for gaming.
Over the past few years, whenever our mother scolds him, he responds with anger, telling her to shut up and even threatening her, sometimes pushing her or pretending to hit her.
He seems detached from reality and often makes very immature comments.

He has never eaten fruits or vegetables (he completely avoids them) and only consumes fried and junk food along with carbonated drinks, resulting in his weight exceeding 100 kg.
No matter what anyone says, he doesn’t listen.
I’m worried about his health deteriorating, and I don’t want my elderly parents to potentially care for a stroke patient in the future.
We are all scared by stories of certain reclusive individuals committing violent acts against their parents, and we fear this could happen in our family! My brother is completely unmanageable; he reacts aggressively when confronted (you have to be careful with your words depending on his mood).
He sleeps about six hours a day, with almost all his other time spent on video games, and eats junk food daily.
He doesn’t listen to anyone, and it’s useless to talk to him! I often criticize my mother for being too indulgent with him, which I believe is harmful.
Now, it’s too late for her to realize this; she can no longer manage him, and even our father is unable to control him.

Doctor, does he have a mental illness? Can medication help control his behavior? Does he need to see a doctor?

Lai Xiaojie, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/06/18

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry

Hello, Miss Lai: For adults struggling with internet addiction, the most important factor is to evoke their intrinsic motivation to change.
It is difficult to force them to change through external pressure; the more coercive the approach, the stronger their resistance may become.
It is advisable to temporarily set aside any dissatisfaction and engage in a conversation about their ideals and the life they envision for the future.
Listen without judgment (this does not mean we agree with their views, but rather that we are willing to understand and support them).
Acknowledge their positive traits, letting them know we recognize their strengths.
Invite them to participate in outdoor activities to create enjoyable family bonding time, which may provide some motivation to step away from the computer.
If they decline our invitations or advice, it is recommended to gently try again.
If they still refuse, patiently wait for the next opportunity.
If they are willing to seek treatment on their own, I believe it will also be beneficial.

Reply Date: 2016/06/18

More Info

Video game addiction, often referred to as gaming disorder, has become a significant concern in mental health discussions, particularly as it relates to cognitive and physical health. Your brother's situation reflects a complex interplay of psychological, social, and behavioral factors that can lead to severe consequences if not addressed appropriately.

Understanding Video Game Addiction
Video game addiction is characterized by excessive and compulsive use of video games, leading to significant impairment or distress. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized gaming disorder as a mental health condition, emphasizing that it can lead to negative impacts on personal, social, educational, and occupational functioning. In your brother's case, his gaming habits have seemingly taken precedence over all other aspects of life, including education, work, and social interactions.

Cognitive and Emotional Impacts
1. Cognitive Functioning: Prolonged gaming can affect cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and decision-making. Your brother's reliance on video games for entertainment and escape may hinder his ability to engage in real-world problem-solving and critical thinking. This can lead to a cycle where he feels increasingly incapable of handling life's challenges without the crutch of gaming.

2. Emotional Regulation: Video games can provide an escape from reality, which may initially seem beneficial. However, this avoidance can lead to heightened anxiety, depression, and irritability when faced with real-life responsibilities. Your brother's aggressive responses to family members and his tendency to isolate himself are concerning signs of emotional dysregulation.

3. Physical Health: The sedentary lifestyle associated with excessive gaming can lead to obesity, poor nutrition, and related health issues. As you mentioned, your brother's diet consists mainly of junk food, which exacerbates his physical health risks. This combination of poor diet and lack of physical activity can lead to long-term health complications, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Addressing the Issue
Given the severity of your brother's situation, it is crucial to consider professional intervention. Here are some steps that can be taken:
1. Seeking Professional Help: It is essential for your brother to see a mental health professional who specializes in addiction or behavioral disorders. A psychiatrist or psychologist can conduct a thorough assessment to determine if he meets the criteria for gaming disorder or if there are underlying mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, that need to be addressed.

2. Therapeutic Interventions: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective in treating various forms of addiction, including gaming. Therapy can help your brother develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve emotional regulation, and re-establish connections with the real world.

3. Family Involvement: Family therapy may also be beneficial, as it can help improve communication and understanding within the family. It can provide a supportive environment for your brother to express his feelings and for the family to learn how to support him effectively.

4. Lifestyle Changes: Encouraging your brother to engage in physical activities, pursue hobbies outside of gaming, and adopt a healthier diet can significantly improve his overall well-being. Small, gradual changes can lead to more sustainable habits.

5. Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to address underlying mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression. However, this should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider.

Conclusion
Your concern for your brother's well-being is valid and reflects a deep understanding of the potential dangers of video game addiction. It is crucial to approach this situation with empathy and support while encouraging him to seek professional help. Change may not happen overnight, but with the right interventions, your brother can begin to reclaim his life from the grips of gaming addiction and improve both his mental and physical health.

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