what it is + risks Flashcards
what is it
ICD 11 criteria:
* Impaired control over gaming
* Increasing priority given to gaming over other interests
* Continuation or escalation despite negative consequences
* Pattern may be continuous, episodic or recurrent
* Impairment in personal, family, social, educational,
occupational or other important areas of functioning
* Normally evident over period of 12 months, although may
be shortened if all diagnostic criteria being met and symptoms are severe
Termed as an Addictive Behaviour by the World Health Organisation in the International
Classification of Diseases (ICD) 11th Revision (2018). Gambling Disorder is the only other addictive
behaviour included, no sufficient evidence yet for potential others such as shopping, social media or
pornography.
DSM V
IGD is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM) Fifth Edition (2013), in the section recommending conditions for
further research, along with caffeine use disorder and other conditions.
function of gaming
Unable to CONTROL or STOP gaming
Gaming MORE IMPORTANT than anything else
Gaming despite NEGATIVE consequences
escapism/ avoidance of feelings
reward/achievement
connection/communication/acceptence
so, what makes gaming addictive?
- Technology: powerful graphics & equipment, immersive and novel
experience - Contingencies and Schedules: rules governing when ‘reward’ is
given - Ratios & Intervals: Variable reward schedules produce highest
rates of activity - Positive Reinforcement: Rewards that strengthen the conditioned
response e.g. getting to the next level - Negative Reinforcement: stimuli (e.g. stress) removed when
desired response (e.g. entertainment) has been obtainedavoidance conditioning
what makes gaming addictive in the brain?
- Parts of the limbic system are activated when
gamers game (or even think of gaming!). - Dopamine is released, which is a hormone
associated with reward and pleasure. - Repeatedly activating these circuits changes
neural connections until these circuits respond
to the mere anticipation of the reward=
cravings - Dopamine saturation
- Limbic system sensitive to risk taking in teens,
and pre cortex (risk management area) underdeveloped in teens
risk factors-
Additional Risk Factors (Ropovik et al., 2023)
* ADHD and autism
* Depression and anxiety
* Emotion dysregulation
* Poor family functioning
* Low self-esteem
* Complex trauma, history of adverse experiences
