Summary

The article discusses the architecture of Gaming Disorder (GD), its impact on individuals and families, and provides strategies for managing and preventing it.

Abstract

The article "The Architecture of Gaming Disorder and How Can You Master the Game" addresses the growing concern of problematic gaming behavior, which the World Health Organization recognized as Gaming Disorder (GD) in 2018. It outlines the diagnostic criteria for GD, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the pattern of reduced control over gaming, prioritization of gaming over other life activities, and persistence of gaming despite negative consequences. The author, a mental health professional, highlights the necessity for individuals and parents to monitor gaming behavior, set time limits, and engage in a diverse range of activities to prevent the dysfunction associated with a gaming-focused lifestyle. The article also suggests that self-awareness, education, and establishing a balanced daily routine are key to preventing GD.

Opinions

The author believes that the internet and online gaming are tools that should serve our needs rather than become the focus of our lives.
The article suggests that a medium-focused life, particularly one centered around gaming, can lead to significant dysfunction and discomfort.
The author emphasizes that not all gaming is addictive and that the context and purpose of gaming are important factors in determining whether it is problematic.
The author advocates for open communication between

The Architecture of Gaming Disorder and How Can You Master the Game

The architecture of addictive behavior, tips, strategies for parents of young children, and prevention

In the last two years, more and more teenagers and parents have been asking for help about the problematic relationship with gaming. A gaming-focused life poses a lot of obstacles in most families. In other words, the problematic use of online/ offline gaming might cause a systemic threat in family relationships.

As a mental health professional, I work with teenagers and families across this burden, raising public awareness on Gaming Disorder.

Gaming Disorder was classified under the umbrella of addictive behaviors in 2018. The World Health Organization included the Gaming Disorder (GD)in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11). The Gaming Disorder diagnosis is now active in ICD-11.

Not every encounter with an online game is by definition addictive. Internet, as well as online/offline games, are media or “vehicles.”Work, leisure, fun, learning, socializing, bill paying are some of our potential “destinations.”So the internet and online gaming serve a purpose for us, and we do not serve them. We might “feed” them; however, this may be a part of another story.

The way of use, purpose, time spent, and beliefs and behaviors, which accompany their use, seem to pinpoint the relationship status between us and the media. A lifestyle built based on the use of the medium (i.e., internet, online/offline games), what we would call medium-focused life, may lead to significant dysfunction and discomfort and signify the presence of addictive behavior. The building blocks of the addictive behavior architecture are the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the relationship with the gaming behavior.

According to the ICD- 11, Gaming Disorder (GD) diagnostic criteria include:

- The pattern of behavior characterized by reduced/ impaired control over engagement with the game (onset, frequency, duration, intensity, context, termination)

- Increased need or priority in dealing with it and to other activities to the extent that the game overrides other interests and daily activities

- Despite the display of negative consequences (physical, psychological, social), engagement with the game remains stable and unaffected

The behavioral pattern may be continuous or episodic, and recurrent. The observed behavior should last at least 12 months or fulfill the aforementioned diagnostic criteria in the presence of severe symptoms (World Health Organization, 2018).

The “architecture” or “identity” of addictive behavior is composed of a quantity of time and energy allocation, the intense need for engagement accompanied by a sense of loss of control of use, impulsivity, observed intensity or irritability, when there is no involvement with the game.

More importantly, despite the harmful consequences of gaming behavior such as physical, cognitive, psychological symptoms, the person might continue or exhibit extensive engagement in gaming behavior. Usually, the former negative consequences go hand in hand with the caused dysfunction in personal, social, professional, or educational areas.

Individuals who are playing online/offline games should be aware of and vigilant about:

time and energy spent on gaming behavior, especially when it comes to blocking other daily activities
Any changes in their physical or psychological health and social function could be attributed to the “architecture” of addictive behavior.
The use of gaming behavior self-log would be a helpful self-monitoring tool.

For parents or caregivers of younger children:

establish direct, honest, and meaningful communication with the child/ children about the content and experience of the game
increase observation of the child’s behavior before, during, and after gaming engagement
set an everyday routine with a variety of physical and mental activities so as leisure time does not equal online/offline gaming
put some time limitations in the gaming “timezone,” discuss with them the rationale of those limitations
evaluate the suitability and content of the game according to the age of the child
discuss openly any thoughts, questions about gaming and the tech milieu

In any case, the prevention of Gaming Disorder is based on awareness, education, and three fundamental pillars.

Self-monitoring of time and energy allocation in gaming behavior, set of time limits
creation of a daily schedule with a variety of activities, including physical exercise
avoidance of engagement with gaming before bedtime, during awakening, and, or in the presence of difficulty to falling asleep.

Bibliography

World Health Organization. (2018). International classification of diseases for mortality and morbidity statistics (11th Revision). Retrieved from https://icd.who.int/browse11/l-m/en

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not intend to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or mental health expert with any questions you may have regarding an addictive behavior. If you think you or a loved one shows signs or symptoms of addictive behavior, please seek advice from a qualified mental health expert in your area.

Alpi is a psychologist, psychotherapist, Multimedia Art creator, and writer based in Greece. She believes that creativity is a wide therapeutic window.

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