Video Game Addiction Effects

What Are the Effects of Video Game Addiction?

Video game addiction may seem harmless compared to abusing substances, but the effects of gaming addiction shouldn’t be downplayed.

The physical and mental effects of video game addiction can easily lead to worse problems if left unchecked. By increasing awareness of these effects, loved ones of video game addicts can be better informed on the risks and offer positive support to seek behavioral addiction treatment.

Physical Effects of Video Game Addiction

Video games are a staple in the American household these days—especially with the prevalence of apps and social media—but some adolescents and adults with risk factors for addiction struggle to play games casually.

However, video game addiction has ultimately become a significant public health problem.

Short-Term Physical Effects

A big concern for the physical health of excessive video game use is the potential for overuse injuries and eye strain.

Whether the gamer plays with a controller or with a keyboard and mouse, there is considerable potential for stress injuries that can lead to chronic, long-term physical ailments.

Research published in Frontiers in Physiology has shown that blue light can disrupt sleeping patterns. Therefore, another physical risk associated with excessive gaming and staring at screens that emit blue light is the disruption of sleep patterns.

Common short-term physical effects of video game addiction include:

• Eye strain
• Headaches
• Poor concentration
• Poor hygiene
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Overuse injuries
• Trouble sleeping or keeping a normal sleep schedule
• Weight gain
• Muscle atrophy
• Poor diet

Long-Term Physical Effects

As gaming addicts spend larger amounts of time playing video games, the short-term physical effects can manifest into long-term, chronic issues. The overuse injuries can eventually lead to permanent damage that causes numbness, pain, and even mobility issues.

Common long-term physical effects of video game addiction include:

• Chronic headaches
• Migraines
• Chronic pain and inflammation in fingers, hands, or limbs
• Chronic numbness and weakness in fingers, hands, or limbs
• Carpel tunnel syndrome
• Gamer’s thumb (also called “PlayStation thumb” or “Nintendinitis”), which occurs when the tendons that move the thumb become inflamed
• Stenosing tenosynovitis (trigger finger), which occurs when the tendon in the affected finger becomes inflamed
• Tennis elbow
• Obesity

Mental/Psychological Effects of Video Game Addiction

The mental effects of video game addiction can range from increased anxiety and depression to serious dysfunction and even thoughts of suicide. Video game addiction often causes the addict to isolate themselves, which may worsen existing mental health problems.

Short-Term Mental Effects

Unhealthy gaming behavior can have a significant effect on the emotional and mental health of video game addicts, even in the early stages of their addiction. These mental effects can easily worsen existing mental health conditions or lead to the development of new mental illnesses.

Common short-term mental effects of video game addiction include:

• Increased social anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Depression
• Isolation
• Conflict with loved ones
• Withdrawal from social groups
• Long-Term Mental Effects

Isolation is a big concern for video game addicts, even if their game of choice is multiplayer and requires contact with other gamers. The longer gaming addicts are isolated and abusing console or computer games, the more they may struggle with daily activities and maintaining their mental well-being.

Common long-term mental effects of video game addiction include:

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not gaming
• Intense loneliness
• Anger and bitterness towards others due to toxic gaming communities
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Insomnia or dysfunctional sleeping schedules
• Worsening symptoms of common co-occurring disorders like depression, anxiety, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Other Harmful Effects of Video Game Addiction

Video game addiction can affect every facet of the addict’s life beyond the mental and physical effects. Financial issues and strife in relationships are very common as the symptoms of video game addiction worsen.

In addition, more specific or niche addictions may occur—such as internet gaming disorder (IGD). IGD is specifically based on the addiction to online video games, which typically involve multiplayer worlds and lengthy campaigns.

Other negative effects of video game addiction include:

• Financial issues due to buying games or paying for microtransactions in games
• Issues with friends, coworkers, and family members due to addictive behaviors
• Higher risk of engaging in substance abuse
• Losing friends in the real world
• Declining social skills due to isolation
• Higher risk of developing other behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling or internet addiction)

Get Help for a Video Game Addiction

If you are worried about yourself or a loved one showing warning signs of video game addiction, now is the time to seek help and support.

Although the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) does not have specific criteria for diagnosing a video game addiction, treatment is very similar to other behavioral addiction treatments.

Common treatments for gaming addiction include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications like anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications.

Get started by talking to your healthcare provider about what treatment plan may best suit your situation. You can also try SAMHSA’s online treatment locator or call 1-800-662-4357 (HELP) to learn what video game addiction treatment options are available where you live.