Gaming Disorder

1) What it is

Gaming disorder is defined by the World Health Organization (ICD-11) as a pattern of gaming behaviour involving:

• impaired control over gaming
• gaming taking priority over other activities
• continuation or escalation despite negative consequences

It typically causes significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, or occupational functioning.

2) What it feels like (real-life examples)

People may say:

• “I say I’ll stop after one game and it becomes hours.”
• “I’m falling behind, but I can’t switch off.”
• “Gaming is the only place I feel okay.”
• “I feel angry or empty when I’m not gaming.”

Gaming often becomes both a comfort and a trap.

3) Common signs & symptoms

• increasing time spent gaming
• repeated failed attempts to cut down
• loss of interest in other hobbies
• sleep disruption or day–night reversal
• school or work decline
• conflict with family or partners
• gaming to escape low mood or anxiety
• irritability or restlessness when not gaming

4) What causes it / risk factors

Contributing factors can include:

• anxiety or depression
• loneliness and social avoidance
• ADHD or impulsivity traits
• coping with stress or trauma
• reinforcement loops in games (rewards, rankings, community pressure)

5) Triggers (what can make it worse)

• stress, boredom, or loneliness
• conflict or low self-worth
• late-night scrolling leading to “just one more”
• online friends or guild pressure
• avoidance of real-world demands

6) What helps right now (fast relief tools)

• set a hard stop with an external timer
• move gaming devices out of the bedroom at night
• use a “2-minute bridge” action after stopping (shower, snack, short walk)
• reduce late-night caffeine or energy drinks
• tell someone you trust: “I’m struggling to control gaming.”

7) Longer-term self-help strategies

• replace the function of gaming (connection, achievement, escape) with safer options
• schedule daily non-gaming rewards
• reduce access (parental controls, app limits, router settings)
• treat underlying anxiety or depression
• build an offline identity, routine, and goals

8) Treatment options (what usually helps)

Support may include:

• CBT-style therapy for habits, cravings, and avoidance
• family support (especially for children and teenagers)
• treatment for co-existing ADHD, depression, or anxiety
• structured routines and relapse-prevention planning

9) Medication overview (plain-English)

There is no medication that treats gaming disorder itself.

Medication may help co-existing conditions (such as ADHD, anxiety, or depression) and should be clinician-guided.

10) Work, relationships & daily life tips

• agree clear “gaming windows” (time-limited play)
• keep devices out of sleep spaces
• plan low-pressure social time that isn’t gaming
• avoid shame-based approaches — use structure, support, and accountability

11) When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if there is:

• suicidal thoughts
• complete day–night reversal and collapse of functioning
• aggression or unsafe conflict
• severe depression or anxiety driving the behaviour

12) Trusted help & resources

Get help (National support)

• World Health Organization: Gaming disorder definition (ICD-11)
• NHS: Talking therapies (self-referral may be possible)
• NHS: Mental health services and urgent help
• Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7)
• Shout: text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7)

‍