Computer Games - Addiction
Addiction Defined
Addiction has been defined as "A primary, chronic disease, characterized by impaired control over the use of a psychoactive substance and/or behaviour. Clinically, the manifestations occur along biological, psychological, sociological and spiritual dimensions", (Schlimme, 2002).
Symptoms of Video and Computer Game Addiction
According to Maressa Hecht Orzack of Computer Addicition Services, symptoms of video and computer game addiction are quite specific: Psychological Symptoms
• Having a sense of well-being or euphoria while at the computer • Inability to stop the activity • Craving more and more time at the computer • Neglect of family and friends • Feeling empty, depressed, irritable when not at the computer • Lying to employers and family about activities • Problems with school or job
Physical Symptoms
• Carpal tunnel syndrome • Dry eyes • Migraine headaches • Back aches • Eating irregularities, such as skipping meals • Failure to attend to personal hygiene • Sleep disturbances, change in sleep pattern “These are all examples of a condition called Computer Addiction, Internet Addictive Disorder or Cyberaddiction�, (Hecht Orzack). Like many other addictions video game addiction can affect other people, family, friends, and co-workers. Spouses can also be effected to the extreme of their loved one finding someone else over the internet and leaves home.
Studies
Video game addicts are often described by clinicians in the field as displaying many symptoms characteristic of other addictions (Schilmme, 2002). According to Mary Schlimme, addiction “…behaviours include failure to stop playing games, difficulties in work or school, telling lies to loved ones, decreased attention to personal hygiene, decreased attention to family and friends, and disturbances in the sleep cycle. Withdrawal symptoms can even include behaviors as severe as shaking� (Schlimme, 2002)
Studies show that
Addiction has been defined as "A primary, chronic disease, characterized by impaired control over the use of a psychoactive substance and/or behaviour. Clinically, the manifestations occur along biological, psychological, sociological and spiritual dimensions", (Schlimme, 2002).
Symptoms of Video and Computer Game Addiction
According to Maressa Hecht Orzack of Computer Addicition Services, symptoms of video and computer game addiction are quite specific: Psychological Symptoms
• Having a sense of well-being or euphoria while at the computer • Inability to stop the activity • Craving more and more time at the computer • Neglect of family and friends • Feeling empty, depressed, irritable when not at the computer • Lying to employers and family about activities • Problems with school or job
Physical Symptoms
• Carpal tunnel syndrome • Dry eyes • Migraine headaches • Back aches • Eating irregularities, such as skipping meals • Failure to attend to personal hygiene • Sleep disturbances, change in sleep pattern “These are all examples of a condition called Computer Addiction, Internet Addictive Disorder or Cyberaddiction�, (Hecht Orzack). Like many other addictions video game addiction can affect other people, family, friends, and co-workers. Spouses can also be effected to the extreme of their loved one finding someone else over the internet and leaves home.
Studies
Video game addicts are often described by clinicians in the field as displaying many symptoms characteristic of other addictions (Schilmme, 2002). According to Mary Schlimme, addiction “…behaviours include failure to stop playing games, difficulties in work or school, telling lies to loved ones, decreased attention to personal hygiene, decreased attention to family and friends, and disturbances in the sleep cycle. Withdrawal symptoms can even include behaviors as severe as shaking� (Schlimme, 2002)
Studies show that
Bibliography: ‘Video Game Addiction’ The Parent Report.com [Online]. Available: [Go to Article](Accessed 24 October, 2004) Schlimme Mary (2002) ‘Video Game Addiction: Do we need a Video Gamers Anonymous?’ [Online]. Available: [Go to Article] (Accessed 25 October, 2004) Hecht Orzack, Maressa, Ph.D ‘Computer Addiction Services’[Online]. Available: [Go to Article] (Accessed 24 October, 2004)