Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Fatigue
Migraines due to intense concentration or eye strain
Carpal tunnel syndrome caused by the overuse of a controller or computer mouse
Poor personal hygiene
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Excessive sweating
Itching
Fever
Medication Overdose
According to the National Safely Council, unintentional overdose is responsible for more deaths among Americans between the
ages of 35 and 54 years old than motor vehicle crashes. When taking any medication for addiction or any other problem, it is
important to take only the amount prescribed. If you suspect possible overdose, it is important to act quickly. Options for
immediate response include dialing 911 or contacting the National Poison Control Center.
Compulsive video gaming can have negative effects on a developing mind or body. Adult players, too, may
suffer from the effects of hours spent sitting on the couch or at a computer desk. Listed below are a few of the
key concerns for younger players:
Sedentary lifestyle: Hours spent sitting at a computer or in front of a device can take a toll on a young
persons body. The lack of physical exercise involved in video gaming has led to public health concerns
about weight gain, poor posture, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in Americas children and teens.
Lack of social engagement: Although video games require engaging with others in computerized
environments, they dont necessarily prepare children for the realities of socializing with their peers.
Learning how to interact with others in a real-world setting is an important social skill that may be
neglected by individuals who spend too much time gaming.
Problems with concentration and attention: There is some concern that the rapid movements and
fast-paced action of video games promote a loss of concentration in players. Children who spend a lot of
time playing video games may become less interested in reading books, for example, which requires more
focused, prolonged attention.
Increased aggression or violence: Children and teens who devote a lot of time to playing video games
that focus on combat, fighting, or violence may display more signs of aggression than those who dont
play these games. Parents must be aware of the content of video games, which are subject to a rating
system similar to the one applied to films. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) posts guidelines
and ratings for popular games based on the age of the player, as well as educational resources for parents
and parental game controls.
Seizures and repetitive stress injuries: The British Medical Journal(BMJ) published an article about the
risks of video gaming for players who have epilepsy or other seizure disorders. The flickering graphics,
lights, and colors of video game displays may trigger seizure activity in some players. There is also evidence
that compulsive game playing may lead to repetitive stress injuries of the wrists or hands.
Finding Help
Compared to other addictive disorders, video game addiction may not seem very serious; however, the
parents, partners, and children of people addicted to video games can testify to the negative effects of this
behavior.
Like other potentially positive activities, video games have their place in a healthy, well-rounded life, but when
gaming begins to take precedence over school, work, or relationships, the individual needs professional help.
While American Addiction Centers does not treat video game addictions, treatment programs are now
available all over the country that address this new disorder and offer hope to people seeking freedom from
compulsive gaming.