Internet Gaming Disorder - Psychiatric Impact on Youth

Thomas turned 14 when he got into psychiatric treatment for depression and anxiety. This happened because he was spending most his time on the Internet, video games and Facebook. His symptoms have partly responded to cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and medication. However when he is at school, he experiences “panic attacks”.

The DSM-V has proposed "Internet Gaming Disorder" as the diagnosis teens such as Thomas, and describes it as a "persistent and recurrent use of the Internet to engage in games," leading to psychosocial problems and withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, anxiety and sadness when Internet access is denied. It has become clearer in the past few years that Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) involves significant deleterious effects for our youth.

Source: http://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/child-adolescent-psychiatry/psychiatric-impacts-of-video-games-internet-addiction-on-children/article/396984/

Author: Ong Jun Chao