MERCER ISLAND YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES ON INTERNET GAMING BY DEREK FRANKLIN, MIYFS ADMINISTRATOR U nderstanding the impact of online gaming on you or your child can be very complicated. These days, on-line video games can be an important social hub, especially for youth and teens due to the popularity of collaborative, team, and multiplayer formats that allow real-time conversations, connection, and virtual “hang out” spaces. The virtual spaces in modern games are remarkably complex and often quite beautiful. However, they also can become an obsession that interferes with other important life functions or even a platform for bullying or abuse. Either way, they have become a part of youth and young adult culture and deserve thoughtful attention from parents. According to the American Psychological Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), addiction to gaming is referred to as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in the section of conditions recommended for further study. Internationally, the World Health Organization included Gaming Disorder in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). In both cases, the diagnosis is described with a list of behavioral characteristics, such as preoccupation, difficulty quitting, playing despite negative consequences, and hiding gaming behavior. In addition, there is also a subjective component related to whether the behavior causes “significant impairment or distress” in someone’s life. In many ways, IGD sounds a lot like other chemical or behavioral addictions in that internet gaming, by itself and in moderation, can be a great way to blow off steam, build technical skills, and maybe even find some meaningful connections. However, with repetition and over time, a negative pattern can emerge that signals a problem due to the addictive potential of the behavior. In fact, brain imaging studies find that IGD can impact the chemicals in the brain like other types of addictions. There is evidence that rates of IGD increased significantly over the pandemic when youth were stuck at home and that we are seeing the impact of that today. So, with the worst of the pandemic behind us, parents might now consider stepping back and asking themselves about the extent to which gaming has become central to their child’s life, or their own. Part of addiction recovery can include the idea of resetting the dopamine system in the brain to decrease cravings and support re-engagement in developmentally appropriate activities. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain is impacted by excessive gaming, has a lot to do with feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation. Counselors at Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (YFS) typically refer youth and adults to their medical providers to help diagnose any medical condition while also suggesting the following “dopamine-enhancement behaviors” for individuals presenting with IGD-type symptoms: • Get outside in the sun (aka just get outside in the Pacific Northwest) • Start an exercise routine after consulting your medical provider • Engage in meaningful hobbies or work (off screens) • Try listening to music or taking-up an instrument It is also important to get behavioral and emotional support when it seems like gaming behavior is too hard to change. Remember, like dependence on alcohol or drugs, gaming can feel calming when in fact it is just reducing the cravings caused by gaming in the first place. Mercer Island parents and adults can reach-out to YFS’s confidential voicemail at (206) 275-7657 and ask to consult with a counselor for support or referral. Greet Mercer Island 27
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