Regular gaming behavior and internet gaming disorder in European adolescents: results from a cross-national representative survey of prevalence, predictors, and psychopathological correlates

Abstract

Excessive use of online computer games which leads to functional impairment and distress has recently been included as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in Section III of the DSM-5. Although nosological classification of this phenomenon is still a matter of debate, it is argued that IGD might be described best as a non-substance-related addiction. Epidemiological surveys reveal that it affects up to 3% of adolescents and seems to be related to heightened psychosocial symptoms. However, there has been no study of prevalence of IGD on a multi-national level relying on a representative sample including standardized psychometric measures. The research project EU NET ADB was conducted to assess prevalence and psychopathological correlates of IGD in seven European countries based on a representative sample of 12,938 adolescents between 14 and 17 years. 1.6% of the adolescents meet full criteria for IGD, with further 5.1% being at risk for IGD by fulfilling up to four criteria. The prevalence rates are slightly varying across the participating countries. IGD is closely associated with psychopathological symptoms, especially concerning aggressive and rule-breaking behavior and social problems. This survey demonstrated that IGD is a frequently occurring phenomenon among European adolescents and is related to psychosocial problems. The need for youth-specific prevention and treatment programs becomes evident.

Internet Gaming Disorder Treatment: A Case Study Evaluation of Four Different Types of Adolescent Problematic Gamers

“…Comorbid pathology was reduced by the end of the treatment period and remained at normal levels during the subsequent three months. The relationship between IGD and other comorbid problems has been confirmed in previous studies associating IGD with depression, anxiety, ASD, ADHD, and conduct disorders among others (e.g., Brunborg et al 2014;Müller et al 2015;van Rooij et al 2014). The findings of the present study are strengthened by the fact that scores remained stable at three months post-treatment.…”

Internet Gaming Disorder Behaviors in Emergent Adulthood: a Pilot Study Examining the Interplay Between Anxiety and Family Cohesion

“…Finally, many types of addictive behaviors that were initiated during emergent adulthood have been shown to continue over the life course (Ashenhurst, Harden, Corbin, & Fromme, 2015). Despite clear evidence to suggest the importance of studying IGD symptoms during emergent adulthood, much remains unknown about IGD in this age group, because the international literature has disproportionally emphasized adolescence (Müller et al 2015;Rehbein et al 2015).…”

Problematic gaming behaviour and health-related outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Overall, depression and anxiety were the most commonly associated outcomes (see Supplement C). More specifically, a total of 8 studies , 2015;Kim et al, 2016b;Lehenbauer-Baum et al, 2015;Lemos et al, 2016;Mentzoni et al, 2011;Müller et al, 2015;Son et al, 2013;Starcevic et al, 2011;Van Rooij et al, 2012;Vukosavljevic-Gvozden et al, 2016) found PGB to be associated with both depression and anxiety.…”