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This goes beyond the passion for video games.
Written by the Mayo Clinic Information Network
Dear Mayo Clinic, What is the gambling disorder? How can you tell if a child may be suffering from this disease rather than just being a child who really likes to play video games?
Reply: Gambling troubles go beyond the passion for video games. This is an addictive trend in which playing digital or video games is the top priority in a person's life. Gambling disorders interfere with the daily habits of an individual and have an effect on mental and physical well-being.
The World Health Organization, or WHO, recently recognized gambling disorder as a mental health problem. And although the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual does not consider it an official disorder, it recommends further study of gambling disorder. The WHO has identified the following symptoms: impaired control over games; the game takes precedence over other interests and activities to the extent that it causes an impairment of function or distress; and persistent gaming behavior despite the negative consequences.
If you are concerned that your child has a gambling disorder, you need to watch for several warning signs. Has your child retired from sports, clubs or other activities that do not involve video games? Does most of your child's interactions with other people involve online gambling communities? Has your child's academic performance decreased as interest in the game has increased? Does the game take up most of your child's free time? Do video games interfere with your child's sleep habits? If you answered yes to any of these questions, your child's gambling behavior may evolve into gambling disorder.
Also pay attention to your child's emotional reaction when he can not play video games. A person with gambling disorders often becomes extremely angry, anxious or distraught for the sake of moving away from video games for more than a short time. As it is an addictive disorder, it is difficult for people with gambling disorders to reduce the time they spend playing video games. When faced with the time they spend playing, people in this situation usually do not want to admit that they could reduce their expenses. Many insist that their behavior is normal.
It is also important to note that gambling disorders can significantly affect physical health. Due to the sedentary nature of most video games, people with gambling disorders tend to do little physical activity, which exposes them to a high body mass index. This can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, liver problems and type 2 diabetes. People with this disorder usually do not take steps to address their health problems.
Note the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics: Children under 18 to 24 months should not use the media, with the exception of video chat. For children ages 2 to 5, limit the screen time to one hour per day of high quality programming. As your child gets older, a unique approach does not work as well. You will need to decide how much media your child should use each day and what types are appropriate.
If your child's play is worrying you, make an appointment with a health care provider.
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