Behavioural addiction: A growing concern for mental health practice

Abstract

Behaviour addiction has gained importance in the current context of mental health practice, especially in the post-COVID era. Behaviour addiction is characterised by recurrent and compulsive engagement in behaviours irrespective of dire consequences in personal, social and work life. Behaviour addictions are manifested in behaviours such as gambling, gaming, shopping, pornography, internet and social media use (1, 2). Most of these behaviours are an essential part of our day-to-day life. The need for the use of technology and the ingrained nature of these behaviours make it difficult to understand and deal with such concerns (3). These behaviours can result in long-term mental health and social issues. The complex nature of behaviour addictions necessitates the need for addressing them, and there is a need for tailored intervention for each of these behaviours (4). Research has proven that these behaviours are prevalent among youth and have a detrimental impact on their mental health.