Video Game Addiction Symptoms
Learn About the Symptoms of Video Game Addiction and What to Do if You (or a Loved One) Receives a Diagnosis
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Video Game Addiction Lawsuits
Team Lead
Video Game Addiction Lawsuit
Team Lead
Video Game Addiction Lawsuits
Team Lead
Is video game addiction real? While some may question the legitimacy of this condition, according to the World Health Organization, video game addiction is now recognized as a mental health condition. There is evidence to suggest that video game companies have knowingly developed and advertised games with addicting features, and this evidence is now at the center of video game addiction lawsuits pending across the country. With this in mind, if you have concerns about video game addiction symptoms, you should not ignore them. Rather, you should see a doctor promptly to explore video game addiction treatment options, and you should consult with a lawyer about your legal rights as soon as possible.
Video Game Addiction Symptoms: An Overview
Video game addiction is defined in various ways. For example, while the researchers behind one often-cited study define video game addiction as, “steady and repetitive use of the Internet to play games frequently with different gamers,” another group of researchers has stated that, “[t]o consider a person addicted, our definition is that playing video games makes you want to play video games even more.”
Regardless of how you define video game addiction, however, the symptoms are generally the same. This is because, “video game addiction leads to changes in the brain that are similar to those that occur in substance addiction and gambling,” and, “[e]vidence has also shown that there is an association between video game addiction and depression, as well as other psychological and social problems.”
With these cognitive, psychological, and social effects in mind, some examples of problematic gaming behaviors include:
- Aggressive behavior patterns
- Anxiety (including symptoms such as dizziness, feeling agitated, feeling fatigued, and having difficulty concentrating)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or attention deficit disorder (ADD)
- Depression (including symptoms such as feeling sad, feeling empty or lonely, losing interest in other activities, and angry or frustrated outbursts)
- Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
- Eating disorders or poor nutrition
- Health issues associated with a sedentary lifestyle (including obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and heart problems)
- Hypertension
- Social isolation or withdrawal
- Withdrawal symptoms when the person quits gaming (including symptoms similar to those of anxiety and depression)
Of course, these can also be symptomatic of other mental health conditions, and obtaining an accurate diagnosis is critical for addressing the root cause of the issue (or issues) at hand. Once diagnosed, treating video game addiction can help individuals regain control over their lives and manage the psychological effects of excessive gaming. If you have grounds to file a video game addiction lawsuit, you will need clear documentation of the cause of your (or your loved one’s) diagnosis as well.
Ultimately, the clearest sign of a video game addiction is compulsive gaming, including excessive time playing video games and an inability to pull oneself away from the screen. Again, if you have concerns, you should not ignore them. The video game addiction symptoms listed above can all lead to various other adverse physical and mental health effects as well; and tragically, in the most severe cases, some have the potential to be fatal.
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Other Potential Effects of Video Game Addiction
Along with the conditions listed above, video game addiction affects other aspects of gamers’ lives. For example, children and teens who become addicted to video games may struggle with school, or they may lose interest in spending time with friends or partaking in extracurricular activities. All of these can potentially have long-term consequences.
For adults, excessive time spent gaming can lead to problems at work (or loss of career opportunities), and it can interfere with their relationships with their spouses, children, and others. In some cases, the damage to professional and personal relationships can be irreparable, and this can lead to long-term financial and non-financial losses.
What Should You Do if You (or a Loved One) is Diagnosed with Video Game Addiction?
Given these concerns, what should you do if you (or a loved one) is diagnosed with video game addiction?
As we said above, talking to a lawyer is essential. Once you receive a diagnosis, the time window to file a video game addiction lawsuit starts to close. With this in mind, you will want to schedule a free consultation promptly, and you will want to work with your lawyer to make an informed decision based on the long-term consequences of your (or your loved one’s) video game addiction.
To assist with your decision, it will be helpful if you can gather some records before your free consultation. These include your (or your loved one’s) medical, academic, and employment records, as well as details about how often you (or your loved one) plays games and how this has impacted day-to-day life. Try to answer questions like:
- What games have you (or has your loved one) played?
- How frequently have you (or your loved one) been playing video games?
- When did you start having concerns about video game addiction?
- What symptoms of video game addiction have you (or your loved one) experienced?
- When did you first seek a diagnosis?
- How has the addiction negatively impacted your (or your loved one’s) day-to-day life?
While these are far from all of the details your lawyer will need to assess your legal rights, this is a good start. During your free consultation, you can expect your lawyer to ask a variety of additional questions focused on uncovering the additional information needed to determine if you have grounds to take legal action. Your initial consultation really is completely free; and, if you decide to file a video game addiction lawsuit, you will not have to pay anything out-of-pocket for your legal representation.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation About Filing a Lawsuit for Video Game Addiction
Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with symptoms of video game addiction or internet gaming disorder? If so, we strongly encourage you to speak with one of our attorneys about your legal rights. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation as soon as possible, give us a call at 866-781-9539 or tell us how we can get in touch online today.