Signs of Video Game Addiction – Physical Symptoms
When we think about the physical symptoms of addiction, we usually think about the signs of alcoholism or drug abuse like tolerance, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, or in extreme cases, neurological damage, liver disease, and hallucinations.
But, what about video game addiction? Video game addiction is rarely as destructive as alcohol or drug addiction, but people who become obsessed with video games do suffer real world consequences such as relationships problems, work-related difficulties, significant family conflict, and poor academic performance (if they happen to be students). Frustrated by either their own, their spouse’s, or their child’s obsession with computer games, more and more people are also seeking professional help for computer and video game addiction.
Although the physical signs of video game addiction are much less extreme than those associated with alcohol or drug addiction, surprisingly they still exist. What are the signs suggesting that someone is addicted to video games or at the very least, is obsessed with video games and plays far too much?
Headaches
Video game addicts may suffer from intense or prolonged headaches following marathon (or even moderate) gaming sessions. In some cases migraine headaches (extremely painful headaches that can involve nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sensitivity to light) may occur. Combine a multi-hour gaming session with intense visual focus, bright flashing graphics, and a loud surround system and it very possible that your head will be throbbing after you finally stop.
Sleep Problems
Video game addicts are well known for having sleep-related problems. They may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep because they are still thinking about their favorite game or next opportunity to play. However, the most common sleep-related problem is an irregular sleep pattern that starts to interfere with other responsibilities.
As they are pulled into the excitement of the game, video game addicts commonly stay up much later than they had originally intended. Now, most people can identify with spending more time on the computer than they should, but for people addicted to video games, this happens almost all the time and much longer than planned. For example, people addicted to video games may regularly stay up until 2:00 or 3:00 AM even though they need to get up early to go to school or work the next day. Some gaming addicts also prefer late night gaming because there are usually fewer distractions (i.e., family members who may be unhappy about how much time they spend in front of a computer). Irregular or unhealthy sleep patterns are one of the most common video game addiction symptoms.
As they are pulled into the excitement of the game, video game addicts commonly stay up much later than they had originally intended. Now, most people can identify with spending more time on the computer than they should, but for people addicted to video games, this happens almost all the time and much longer than planned. For example, people addicted to video games may regularly stay up until 2:00 or 3:00 AM even though they need to get up early to go to school or work the next day. Some gaming addicts also prefer late night gaming because there are usually fewer distractions (i.e., family members who may be unhappy about how much time they spend in front of a computer). Irregular or unhealthy sleep patterns are one of the most common video game addiction symptoms.
Neglected Personal Hygiene
As video game addiction worsens, the player may neglect personal hygiene and general self-care. In order to spend more time advancing in the virtual world, an addicted video gamer may forgo showers, shaving, personal grooming, brushing teeth, and sometimes, even washroom breaks (this last one is more common with children but it does happen to adults as well).
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that involves pressure on the wrist and is associated with numbness, weakness, or damage to hand muscles. Often it is caused by repetitive hand movements and is common in those who do a lot of driving, sewing, writing, painting, typing, or those whose jobs involve repetitive hand movements such as a cashier. Not surprisingly, video game addiction may also be associated with an increased risk for carpal tunnel syndrome due to long hours spent holding a controller or using a keyboard and mouse.
Weight Gain / Weight Loss / Poor Physical Health
Depending on the person and their eating habits, video game addiction can result in either weight gain or weight loss –but an overall deterioration in physical health is common as more time is spent with a computer / console and exercise and healthier physical activities are ignored. Video game addicts may skip meals entirely, binge after a long gaming session, or eat almost continually as they play. Almost always the choice of food and meals is based on what is convenient and not what is healthy.
For an even more detailed description of the symptoms of video game addiction (including behavioral, emotional, and psychological symptoms) the article Video Game Addiction Symptoms and Signs is recommended.
For an even more detailed description of the symptoms of video game addiction (including behavioral, emotional, and psychological symptoms) the article Video Game Addiction Symptoms and Signs is recommended.