Online gaming disorder in adolescents: A case series highlighting behavioural addiction and treatment approaches
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29120/ijpsw.2025.v16.i1.671Keywords:
Online gaming addiction, adolescents, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), digital detoxAbstract
Online gaming addiction is a growing concern among adolescents, affecting their academic performance, emotional well-being, and social interactions. This paper explores the experiences of two high-achieving students who developed gaming addiction, leading to academic decline, emotional distress, and withdrawal from family and friends. The case series discusses the symptoms, psychological impact, and treatment approaches, including structured digital detox plans and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). The findings highlight the importance of early intervention and targeted therapeutic strategies to help adolescents overcome gaming addiction and restore a healthy balance in their lives. Effective management through CBT, digital detox programs, and family support can significantly reduce the negative impact of excessive gaming and improve overall adolescent well-being
References
Kuss DJ, Griffiths MD. Internet gaming addiction: A systematic review of empirical research. Int J Ment Health Addict. 2012;10(2):278-96.
ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics. 6C51 Gaming disorder. 2024. https://icd.who.int/browse11/l-m/en https://icd.who.int/browse11/l-m/en
Young KS. Internet addiction: Symptoms, evaluation, and treatment. Innov Clin Pract. 1999;17:19-31.
King DL, Delfabbro PH. Internet gaming disorder treatment: A review of definitions, assessment, and treatment considerations. Clin Psychol Rev. 2014;34(3):206-17.
Kaya A, Türk N, Batmaz H, Griffiths MD. Online gaming addiction and basic psychological needs among adolescents: the mediating roles of meaning in life and responsibility. International journal of mental health and addiction. 2024;22(4):2413-37.
Liu M, Peng W, Yang Y. Problematic gaming and students' academic performance: A systematic review. Int J Ment Health Addict. 2024;22:1234-56.
Siddiqui JA, Qureshi SF, Alghamdi AK. Internet gaming disorder: A case report. J. Behav. Health. 2018;7:41-4.
Sravanthi K, Nihal NG, Raju NN, Mane S. A Case Report of Internet Gaming Disorder Treated With Bupropion and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Cureus. 2024 Jun 24;16(6):e63013. doi: 10.7759/cureus.63013.
Wölfling K, Beutel ME, Dreier M, Müller KW. Treatment outcomes in patients with internet addiction: A clinical pilot study on the effects of a cognitive-behavioral therapy program. Biomed Res Int. 2019;2019:1-7.
King DL, Delfabbro PH, Wu AMS, Doh YY, Kuss DJ, Pallesen S, et al. Treatment of internet gaming disorder: An international systematic review and CONSORT evaluation. Clin Psychol Rev. 2017;54:123-33.
Kardefelt-Winther D. Conceptualizing Internet use disorders: addiction or coping process? Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2017;71:459–66.
Wegmann E, Billieux J, Brand M. Internet-use disorders: A theoretical framework for their conceptualization and diagnosis. InMental health in a digital world 2022 (pp. 285-305). Academic Press.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Arsha Mirza arsha
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
