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2018 Internet Gam ng D sorder n DSM-5 | Psychology Today

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Stephanie A. Sarkis Ph.D.

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Internet Gaming Disorder in DSM-5

A disorder for further study
Posted Jul 18, 2014

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Internet Gaming Disorder is a “Condition for Further Study” in the DSM-5 (APA 2013).  This means that it is not an
"official" disorder in the DSM, but one on which the American Psychiatric Association request additional
research. Upon further research, the APA may or may not decide to make the disorder "official" in future editions
of the DSM.  

The DSM-5 states that Internet Gaming Disorder is most common in male adolescents 12 to 20 years of age.
According to studies it is thought that Internet Gaming Disorder is more prevalent in Asian countries than in
North America and Europe (APA, 2013). 

Internet-based gambling is not included in the diagnostic criteria for Internet Gaming Disorder. This is because
Internet-based gambling is already included in the Gambling Disorder diagnostic criteria. 

There are severity modifiers for Internet Gaming Disorder: mild, moderate, or severe. These modifiers are based
on how much time is spent playing the games, and how much they impact a person’s overall functioning.

In summary, the diagnostic criteria for Internet Gaming Disorder include:

1.  Repetitive use of Internet-based games, often with other players, that leads to significant issues with
functioning.  Five of the following criteria must be met within one year:

1. Preoccupation or obsession with Internet games.

2. Withdrawal symptoms when not playing Internet games.

3. A build-up of tolerance–more time needs to be spent playing the games.

4. The person has tried to stop or curb playing Internet games, but has failed to do so.

5. The person has had a loss of interest in other life activities, such as hobbies.

6. A person has had continued overuse of Internet games even with the knowledge of how much they impact
a person’s life.

7. The person lied to others about his or her Internet game usage.

8. The person uses Internet games to relieve anxiety or guilt–it’s a way to escape.

9. The person has lost or put at risk and opportunity or relationship because of Internet games.  

Again, while Internet Gaming Disorder is not an "official" disorder in the DSM-5, the APA is encouraging further
research on the disorder for possible inclusion in future editions of the DSM. 

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10 COMMENTS

More evidence that Psychiary is a Mental Illness

Submitted by William on July 18, 2014 - 11:13pm

We've seen the evidence over the ages. Psychiatry and the mental health industry cashing in on made up rubbish. All
of these pseudo disorders are due to Behaviors. IE you dont do what we dont want you to do so we will punish you
with a disorder. It was slavery, its was homosexuality, it was hysteria, countless made up rubbish. Real scientists dont
make up crap like that. Its time we all decide that Psychiatry is the disorder of being judgmental about other people
and supplying politics and government with the tools to label people that dont conform to their liking. Get rid of
psychiatry it harms and devalues medicine although the latter is becoming more and more pseudo scientific.

I agree with your frustration

Submitted by Mark Noo on July 24, 2014 - 2:01pm

I agree with your frustration over everything being a disorder.

Who decides what a disorder is?
We tell our children not to develop maladaptive behaviors. We want them to be like us but, we hate ourselves. Our
government is out of control, we are in debt on a national level, basically we suck. Why would we want our children
to be anything like us. But if they don't respond as we would it is maladaptive.

Not everything is a disorder, mental illness, or mental health issue. Sometimes you just have to choose to do the
right thing.

National debt
Submitted by Jarrod K on January 28, 2015 - 11:21am

One small point. The national debt is not a new thing. Except for one year in 1835, the US has been in debt
since 1790. The debt as a percentage of GDP is at roughly 74%, the second highest in history, behind only WWII
which is the only time it has been over 100%.

Whr de Fush is the DIAGNOSIS !!!!!!

Submitted by Cristopher Rozario on August 26, 2014 - 9:18am

i need the diagnosis...

> scrolls threw the page > goes back to play some more games >

My spouse needs an intervention

Submitted by Anonymous on October 2, 2014 - 9:41pm

This makes a ton of sense. It may sound silly, because its a completely new concept, but addiction is addiction. If you
have met someone who traded in their life for a fictional one, you'll stop laughing pretty quickly.

RE: My spouse needs an intervention

Submitted by Hugh Mungus on March 8, 2017 - 7:17am

To quote the movie Billy Madison: "what you’ve just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard.
At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a
rational thought. Everyone [reading this post] is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and
may God have mercy on your soul."

Video Game Disorders?

Submitted by YRcrzie on January 30, 2017 - 10:53pm

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29.04.2018 Internet Gam ng D sorder n DSM-5 | Psychology Today

Now... I find this to be the most elaborate and erroneous crap I have ever heard of. First of all, research showed where
those that played video games were MORE intelligent and strategic than those who did NOT. Next studies stated that it
kept muscles in the hands moving making it LESS likely to get arthritis. You all need to STOP playing with these
people's minds and trying to make more money off of them by taking things that they enjoy. The world of Psychiatry is
literally sucking the life out of people. They can't laugh, that's a disorder. Too happy, that's a disorder. Love being with a
mate. THAT'S a disorder. Stop trying to play God and LET these people live their lives as they choose to without YOUR
added confusion and BS.

Excuse me everyone.... GO LIVE YOUR LIVES AND ENJOY IT TO THE FULLEST. ENJOY WHAT IT IS THAT YOU'RE
DOING THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY. DON'T LET THESE BRAINWASHERS FOOL YOU. They're ALL full of crap.

The Scientist.

The sad aggressive posts

Submitted by Anonymous on October 5, 2017 - 1:42pm

The sad aggressive posts above show the thoughts of addicts. If they are trolls they are still just imitating the behaviors
of addicts. They should seek the attention of licensed therapists in their areas.

As someone who has a degree

Submitted by Raven on December 6, 2017 - 11:17am

As someone who has a degree in psychology, and also owns a very successful online business in the gaming field, I
have to say this article is by far one of the most ignorant ones I have ever seen on Psychology Today.

Yes, there are teens and even adults who spend way too much time in online games and virtual worlds. Yes, that can
have a very negative impact on their lives. But, most of the symptoms posted here hold very little fact and are imo just
ignorant.

For alot of people, gaming and specifically online gaming IS a hobby. Yes, it is something many do to relax and step
away from the stresses life sometimes brings. How is that any different than someone who draws to relax, or reads a
book to relax? For the average gamer, it's not at all.

People can become addicted to literally anything, and that is the issue, not games itself.

It is actually embarrassing that this non factual and ignorant article is even on Psychology Today.

That's interesting, but first you should

Submitted by Not amused on December 23, 2017 - 10:52pm

look into female phone and social media addiction. If you can't find a husband or your son(s) are ignoring you, well
that's just too bad. We're busy, and you should get a life.

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Stephanie Sarkis, Ph.D., N.C.C., L.M.H.C., is the author of Making the Grade with ADD and ADD and Your Money. 
     

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