Video Game Addiction: Now a Psychological Disorder

WebMD now classifies video game addiction as a psychological disorder.

WebMD states the criteria of an addiction as the growing need of a substance and lack of the substance leads to irritable and irrational behavior. Professionals say video game addiction has to do more with the brain chemistry and relate the addiction to one of a gambler. Kimberly Young, clinical director of the Center for On-Line Addiction, states, “an intelligent child who is unpopular at school can become dominant in the game. The virtual life becomes more appealing than real life.” When life is unsatisfying for kids they can turn to games in order to make life better.

Youth suffer severe health hazards from video game addiction.

After a 4-day Xbox marathon, a young boy in Ohio was hospitalized for severe hydration. The boy did not eat or drink during the time he spent playing Call of Duty.

There is help for parents.

Experts from WebMD advise that parents assist in “detoxing” their child. Detox for video game addicts is similar to the one of a substance abuser. Parents need to show that video games render the kids powerless and “teach them real life excitement as opposed to online excitement.”