Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is officially recognized in the latest edition of the DSM-5. Treatment can include a mix of medication, therapies, and lifestyle adjustments.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) is the latest version of the DSM-5. The DSM-5 is the standard reference book for diagnosing mental health conditions in the United States. The DSM-5-TR includes Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) as a condition.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines IGD as “a pattern of gaming behavior characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.”

However, it is important to note that IGD is a condition that needs further research, along with caffeine use disorder and other conditions.

For an individual to have IGD, there must be “significant impairment or distress” in several aspects of a person’s life. This can look like:

  • experiencing withdrawal symptoms when gaming is removed or not possible (sadness, anxiety, irritability)
  • needing to spend increasing amounts of time gaming to satisfy the urge
  • being unable to reduce playing, or unsuccessful attempts to quit gaming
  • disengaging from other activities, or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities due to gaming
  • continuing to game despite problems
  • deceiving loved ones about the time spent on gaming
  • using gaming to relieve negative moods
  • jeopardizing or losing a job or relationship due to gaming

A diagnosis of IGD requires experiencing five or more of these symptoms within a year. Despite its name, IGD can include gaming on the internet with others or gaming alone.

A 2022 study found that IGD shares traits of other addictive disorders, including:

  • activation in brain regions associated with reward
  • decreased activity in impulse control areas
  • impaired decision making
  • reduced functional connectivity in brain networks that are involved in cognitive control, executive function, motivation, and reward

The researchers found that IGD may also be associated with a decrease in gray matter volume in the brain.

Talk with your doctor about your habits if you suspect your symptoms are a result of IGD. They’ll be able to help determine the cause and provide the right treatment.

While diagnosing if you have an IGD, your doctor or mental healthcare provider may ask:

  • Do you think about your previous activity or expect the next session a lot?
  • Do you need to use the internet more or play games for longer to achieve satisfaction?
  • Have you tried to control, cut back, or stop use without success?
  • Have you stayed online longer than intended?

Risk factors

Your doctor may also ask about other symptoms or your family’s mental health history. IGD can co-occur with other conditions, such as:

  • attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • depression
  • anxiety

Factors like low self-esteem and hyperactivity/inattention traits without the presence of ADHD may also increase susceptibility to IGD.

Unlike other addiction treatments, completely avoiding the internet isn’t feasible in today’s world. Instead, IGD treatment should focus on time management and balancing or controlling use. However, it may help to avoid certain applications if they’re the cause of your addiction.

Research on the efficacy of treatments for IGD is largely inconclusive due to a lack of high quality studies. Bupropion, a medication used to treat depression, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are notable options, but further research is needed.

Additional treatment strategies can include:

  • suggesting a new schedule to disrupt patterns
  • using real events and activities to help you log off
  • setting goals to help limit use time
  • quitting use of specific applications
  • reminding yourself the benefits of stopping
  • creating an inventory of missed activities due to an IAD
  • joining a support group
  • engaging in family therapy

Treating an IGD can also be a combination of therapies. It may also involve treating any co-occurring mental health conditions.

Talk with a mental health care professional about your options if you suspect you or someone you know has an IGD. They’ll be able to suggest a treatment plan to help.

IGD can have an impact on other aspects of a person’s life outside of mental health. For instance, if an individual spends a lot of time playing games with microtransactions, their financial health may be at risk.

Larger amounts of time spent playing these types of games are associated with an increased risk of gambling disorder. Games with loot boxes appeared to pose a greater risk of addiction than other types of microtransactions.

In more severe cases, IGD can impact other areas of an individual’s well-being. For example, IGD may lead one to neglect regular physical activity, adequate nutrition, and personal hygiene in order to make more time for gaming.

Resources for IGD

Many people with an IGD can find support through groups such as Online Gamers Anonymous (OGA). These 12-step programs are free and offer a network of individuals who are also going through the same journey. Unlike inpatient treatment, these groups can provide long-term support.

Groups that offer information and resources for help include:

IGD is a relatively newer mental health condition that is recognized by the latest version of the DSM-5. It can negatively impact the quality of life for the individual who has it, as well as affect their relationships.

IGD resembles other addictive disorders and can have a physical impact on the brain. Depending on the severity and the presence of any other mental health conditions, treatment can include a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.

Talk with your doctor if you suspect you have IGD.