Key Takeaways:
Video game addiction, or internet gaming disorder, involves persistent and excessive video game playing that leads to disruptions in normal daily functioning and overall well-being.
Video game addiction often gets worse over time if left untreated. It can lead to a variety of brain changes that impact pleasure, motivation, and overall mental health, similar to those found in the brains of those with substance use disorders.
Psychotherapy may help treat video game addiction. This is often combined with lifestyle modifications, self-management strategies, and other supportive efforts.
Understanding Video Game Addiction
Video game addiction, which is more formally referred to as internet gaming disorder, is a behavioral addiction characterized by the persistent and excessive use of video games. Individuals with video game addiction often feel unable to control their video game use, which, over time, can lead to significant impairments in important aspects of life, such as work, school, relationships, and self-care.[1]
How Common is It?
In the United States, the estimated prevalence of video game addiction is 1.7 to 10% of the total population. This wide range is partly due to a lack of agreement over the criteria that constitute video game addiction or gaming disorder.[2]
In children, the prevalence may be as high as 15%, although this figure is not definitive.[1]
Symptoms of Video Game Addiction
There are several important signs and symptoms of video game addiction. Many of these are adopted from the symptoms of addictions in general.
Symptoms of video game addiction include:[1][2][3]
Intense preoccupation with gaming (e.g., thinking about it a lot, or spending time planning how to use it).
Strong urges or cravings to play video games.
Inability to stop or reduce video game playing.
Lying or hiding the extent of video game use from others, such as family and friends.
Needing to spend more and more time gaming to satisfy urges (tolerance).
Loss of interest in other previously enjoyed daily activities.
Using video games as a psychological escape, such as from guilt or depression.
Using video games to distract from stressful situations at work, school, or home.
Gaming that results in reduced functional ability at school, at work, or at home.
Decline in personal hygiene, grooming, or self-care due to excessive gaming.
Withdrawal symptoms when gaming is stopped or reduced, such as anxiety, irritability, sadness, or anger.
Is it a Recognized Condition?
Video game addiction is formally recognized by the International Classification of Diseases (11th revision; ICD-11) as a gaming disorder. It is also included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition, text revision; DSM-5-TR) as internet gaming disorder in the section recommending conditions for further research. [3]
The term “video game addiction” isn’t formally used or diagnosed, in part because there is still debate on whether problematic video game use constitutes a true addiction.
How it Relates to Other Behavioral Addictions
Video game addiction shows many similarities to other behavioral addictions, such as gambling disorder. In general, behavioral addictions have very similar symptoms, and all involve tolerance, withdrawal, and negative functional consequences.
Types of Gaming Addiction
The idea of a gaming addict is most commonly linked to individuals who overindulge in online gaming. Online games tend to be competitive, multiplayer events with set time or win limits, meaning players can play multiple rounds in a short amount of time. Popular examples of this format include Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Tekken. Though further research is still needed, it is believed that multiplayer gaming can create a positive feedback loop, producing short-lived dopamine rushes that are difficult to replace. [2][8]
Online games can be played via smartphone, computer/laptop, or game console. There is no direct evidence that one form of gaming device leads to more addictive behaviors forming than another. [2]
Other forms of gaming addiction can take place even without an internet connection. Though occasionally played online, mobile gaming refers to gaming through mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. Individuals download apps onto their device and can play on-the-go or, as is often the case, sedentary. The convenience of being able to play mobile games anywhere can lead to negative behaviors forming, such as foregoing work or avoiding loved ones in favor of gaming. [4]
Causes of Video Game Addiction
The exact causes of video game addiction aren’t fully determined, but it is likely a combination of many factors, such as biology, genetics, personality, and environment. There are also established risk factors for video game addiction, including: [1] [5] [6]
Depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems.
Male gender.
High impulsivity.
Greater amount of time spent gaming.
Low self-esteem.
Isolation or lack of belonging.
How Video Games Affect the Brain
Playing video games stimulates the brain’s reward system, which leads to an increase in the neurotransmitter dopamine. Over time, and especially with increased usage, the brain becomes less responsive to dopamine, requiring higher and higher amounts to reach the same level of pleasure or reward. These effects are very similar to those seen in gambling disorder and in substance addictions [1]
Furthermore, persistent, repetitive gaming leads to a variety of other structural and functional brain changes, which, when combined with the above effects, can lead to decreased reward response and inhibited self-regulation or self-control. [1]
Video Games and Mental Health
The connection between video game addiction and mental health is likely bidirectional. On the one hand, it is known that mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), increase the risk for video game addiction. In addition, video games may be a compelling way to achieve feelings of connection and importance, especially for those with low self-esteem, loneliness, and other issues. [1] [7]
On the other hand, problematic video game usage increases the risk for mental health issues and poor emotional functioning. Users may also experience greater sadness, irritability, anxiety, or other concerns when they don’t have access to video games. Thus, overall, this can lead to a problematic cycle, in which mental health concerns and poor emotional regulation lead to video game usage, which in turn complicates mental health issues. [7]
Beyond this, excessive time spent playing video games can lead to less sleep, poor diet, greater isolation, and other lifestyle consequences that can negatively impact mental health and overall well-being.[1][6]
Are Young People and Children More at Risk?
Young people may be more likely to develop behavioral issues towards video games, owing to their popularity among younger demographics. Video game addiction in young people may lead to further issues later in life, as key stages of brain development occur during childhood and adolescence. The dopamine imbalance that can occur from problematic video game use may lead to problems with impulse control, mental health problems, and substance use issues.
Excessive video game use in children and adolescents may cause them to not participate as much in school, receive worse grades, and fail to develop healthy relationships and friendships in a face-to-face context. Gaming may also take the place of exercise, sleep, and other important aspects that are critical for development and general functioning.[1][6]
In addition, video games can seem like an easy way for young people to feel connected. If this is their only source of social connection, it greatly hinders their ability to form real-life connections and receive the benefits from long-term close relationships, which may exacerbate loneliness and other mental health issues.[1]
Diagnosing Video Game Addiction
To diagnose video game addiction (internet gaming disorder), you may be referred to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. In the United States, diagnoses are made by comparing symptoms to the criteria in the DSM-5-TR.
Assessments and Tests
The diagnostic process may involve questionnaires, a structured interview, or behavioral observations, among other tools, depending on what’s deemed necessary. There are a variety of assessments used to help diagnose video game addiction, such as the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale. Mental health professionals also typically screen for comorbid mental health conditions or behavioral issues.[5]
Professional Treatment for Video Game Addiction
The most common type of professional treatment for video game addiction is psychotherapy, or talk therapy. Psychotherapy helps you identify and manage any maladaptive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors contributing to problematic video game use. Examples of psychotherapeutic modalities include:[1][2][5]
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Group Therapy.
Family Therapy.
Motivational Interviewing.
CBT
CBT encompasses many techniques to improve thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Examples of techniques include stimulus control, emotional regulation, self-monitoring, and challenging negative thoughts.[1][2]
Group Therapy
In group therapy, individuals with similar issues meet together under the supervision of a mental health professional. They learn techniques and skills to cope with their issues, while also gaining support and connection from group members.[2]
Family Therapy
Family therapy helps other family members become more aware of the individual’s problem and employs strategies to create a more stable home environment.[2]
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing uses an open-ended, collaborative approach to help the individual understand and identify his or her motivations for change. After this, guidance is given on how to achieve the goals.
Other Treatments
Sometimes, medications may be used alongside therapy. Examples include bupropion or certain antidepressants.[1]
In addition to treatment, many mental health professionals recommend adopting certain lifestyle changes and habits to reduce the risk of developing or worsening video game addiction. This includes:
Engaging in enjoyable activities.
Regular exercise.
Socialization with others in real life.
Support and Additional Help
Joining a support group can also help when dealing with video game addiction. Examples of support groups include:
You may also wish to call the National Mental Health Hotline at 866-903-3787.
Final Takeaway
Some people can play video games without any issues, while in others, video game use becomes excessive and has the potential to impact important areas of life functioning and overall well-being. If you think you or someone you know may be dealing with video game addiction, be sure to seek out professional help. The earlier treatment starts, the more likely it is that you’ll recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
The amount of time spent playing video games is not a determinant of addiction by itself. However, if the amount of time spent playing video games starts to take the place of important life activities and overall functioning, this suggests a possible addiction.
Yes. Professional treatment, along with possible lifestyle/environment modifications and other supportive strategies, can help stop a video game addiction.
References
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Symptoms, mechanisms, and treatments of video game addiction.
Mohammad, S., Jan, R. A., Alsaedi, S. L., & Jabir, S. A. M. (2023).
Source: Cureus, 15(3), e36597.
2.
Video game addiction. (2022).
Source: Cleveland Clinic.
3.
Internet gaming. (2023).
Source: American Psychiatric Association.
4.
Video game device usage in selected markets and regions as of August 2022. (2023).
Source: Statista.
5.
Internet gaming disorder in children and adolescents.
Gentile, D. A., Bailey, K., Bavelier, D., Brockmyer, J. F., Cash, H., Coyne, S. M., ... & Young, K. (2017).
Source: Pediatrics, 140(Supplement_2), S81-S85.
6.
Unhealthy video gaming: What parents can do to prevent it.
McCarthy, C. (2025).
Source: American Academy of Pedieatrics, HealthyChildren.org.
7.
Going beyond video game consumption when considering Internet Gaming Disorder.
Cekic, S., Bediou, B., Achab, S., Rich, M., Green, C. S., & Bavelier, D. (2024).
Source: Comprehensive Psychiatry, 133, 152500.
8.
Online gaming
Harmon, A. (2022).
Source: EBSCO Information Services, Inc.
Author
Jack CincottaJack Cincotta holds a M.S. degree in Psychology. He is also a board-certified holistic health practitioner through AADP and an AFPA-certified holistic health coach and nutritionist.
Activity History - Last updated: June 18, 2026, Published date: June 18, 2026
Reviewer
Dr. Smith is a behavioral health coach, clinician, writer, and educator with over 15 years of experience in psychotherapy, coaching, teaching, and writing.
Activity History - Medically reviewed on June 18, 2026 and last checked on June 18, 2026
