home
RSS
Excess gaming linked to depression, bad grades
January 17th, 2011
12:01 AM ET

Excess gaming linked to depression, bad grades

When it comes to playing video games, it seems moderation is important to a child's mental health. A new study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics finds excessive gaming may lead to depression, anxiety, and poor grades in school.

Researchers in the U.S. and overseas looked at more than 3,000 elementary and middle-school children in Singapore and found that almost 9% of them were considered pathological or "addicted" to gaming – similar percentages were found in other countries.

Over a two-year period about 84% of those who started out as excessive gamers remained so, indicating that this may not simply be a phase that children go through. Boys were more likely to show symptoms of excessive gaming. Overall those considered "pathological" gamers displayed higher levels of depression and other mental health issues than their peers who played fewer video games. The researchers also found that students who did stop their excessive gaming reduced their levels of depression, anxiety and social phobia.

There is debate in the medical community as to whether pathological or "addictive" video gaming should be listed as a mental disorder in the American Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders – a guide used by the American Psychiatric Association in diagnosing mental disorders.

To gauge the level of pathological gaming, the study authors asked students questions similar to the type used to diagnose gambling addiction such as: were students becoming more preoccupied with video games, did they lie about the amount of time spent playing, had their schoolwork suffered, and if playing helped them escape from problems or bad feelings.

A young person was labeled pathological or "addicted" if the practice caused problems in his or her life.

"And we define that as actual functioning – their school, social, family, occupational, psychological functioning. To be considered pathological, gamers must be damaging multiple areas of their lives," explains study author Douglas Gentile, Ph.D., developmental psychologist at Iowa State University in Ames.

Pathological gamers were playing an average of more than 31 hours a week compared with their less excessive peers who played about 19 hours a week.

Gentile and the other researchers also looked at potential risk factors for becoming pathological gamers.

"Kids who were more impulsive were more likely to become addicted; they had a harder time managing their impulse control. If they were socially awkward then they were more likely to be addicted and if they spent a greater amount of time then the average kids playing games," explained Gentile.

The Entertainment Software Association disagreed with the findings. " "There simply is no concrete evidence that computer and video games cause harm," a statement from the organization said. "In fact, a wide body of research has shown the many ways games are being used to improve our lives through education, health and business applications."

Dr. Don Shifrin, spokesperson with the American Academy of Pediatrics, called Gentile's study important. "It allows us to take a harder look at how gamers play and whether there is balance in the lives of our children and teens," he said

The AAP recommends that elementary school age children engage in no more than one hour of screen time a day, and high schoolers no more than  two.


soundoff (1,355 Responses)
  1. Kisha Havis

    cool blog. Cheers for showing us.

    https://pgslotgamestop.com

    April 9, 2021 at 08:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. 3win8 for ios

    Whats up are using WordPress for your site platform?
    I'm new to the blog world but I'm trying to get started and set up my
    own. Do you require any html coding expertise to make
    your own blog? Any help would be really appreciated!

    my page – 3win8 for ios

    April 9, 2021 at 17:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. 918Kiss iphone

    Can you tell us more about this? I'd care to find out more details.

    Feel free to visit my blog; 918Kiss iphone

    April 10, 2021 at 01:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. mega88 test id

    I know this website offers quality based posts and additional information, is there any other web site which gives these kinds
    of information in quality?

    my homepage :: mega88 test id

    April 10, 2021 at 15:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. tadalis sx

    tadalafil generic https://elitadalafill.com/ 40 mg tadalafil

    April 11, 2021 at 17:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. vardenafil cheap

    vardenafil hcl 20mg tab https://vegavardenafil.com/ vardenafil vs viagra vs cialis

    April 11, 2021 at 18:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. Hairstyles

    Spot on with this write-up, I actually suppose this website needs far more consideration. I抣l probably be once more to read way more, thanks for that info.

    https://www.hairstylesvip.com

    April 12, 2021 at 05:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. good site,thank you very much for your effort in writing the posts.

    cool site. Thanks for posting.

    Very

    April 12, 2021 at 06:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. good site,thank so much for your time in writing the posts.

    Really good blog,thank so much for your time in writing the posts.

    Very

    April 12, 2021 at 06:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. site. Cheers for posting.

    Really good site,thank so much for your time in writing the posts.

    Great

    April 12, 2021 at 07:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. good blog,thank so much for your time in writing the posts.

    Great site. Thanks for posting.

    Really

    April 12, 2021 at 08:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. blog. Thanks for showing us.

    Great site. Thanks for showing us.

    Great

    April 12, 2021 at 08:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. good site,thank you very much for your effort in writing the posts.

    Really good site,thank you very much for your time in writing the posts.

    Really

    April 12, 2021 at 09:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. good blog,thank you very much for your effort in writing the posts.

    Great blog. Thanks for showing us.

    Very

    April 12, 2021 at 10:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. site. Thanks for showing us.

    Great site. Thanks for showing us.

    cool

    April 12, 2021 at 11:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. good blog,thank so much for your effort in writing the posts.

    cool site. Cheers for posting.

    Really

    April 12, 2021 at 14:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. good blog,thank you very much for your time in writing the posts.

    Really good blog,thank so much for your time in writing the posts.

    Really

    April 12, 2021 at 15:28 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. blog. Cheers for posting.

    Very good blog,thank so much for your time in writing the posts.

    Great

    April 12, 2021 at 15:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. blog. Thanks for posting.

    cool blog. Cheers for posting.

    Great

    April 12, 2021 at 16:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. buy zithromax online

    zpack name https://zithromaxes.com/ zithromax tablets

    April 12, 2021 at 21:28 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. click this link

    Initially ask yourself, whether you are good, reliable, honest,
    friendly or hardworking person. Discuss your options with your surgeon to determine if click this link is a great option within your specific needs.

    April 13, 2021 at 22:44 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. ace333 slot

    Remember, your kids are controlling. They see the are handling things, but
    they understand tat that may be the way to perform it.
    May great if you are always shhowing them good habits, but
    it would possibly be destructive if yyou
    forget to see are depriving them of from your actions.

    3)Learn shared there . with focus and concentration. Think of what you are going
    through. Do not let your attention wander somewhere .
    Good readers read with understanding. Good reader
    could have an idea where the author may be leading
    these knd of. Mental challenges blossom andd bloom and turned info a bet on 'out-smart-the characters'
    and person.

    The widow in the parable did finally get justice from the unjust judge by being persistent - being bothering.
    Whhen I pjcture myself in this particular story,
    every person as the judge. Dislike see myself being
    necessarily unjust – just as very human and at risk
    from thhe weaknesses of society. When I mull over the irritating people I have encountered, I think about product sales person will bbe effective at getting me to buy their product so that they like me or have a gold opinion of me.
    That's very frustrating! I think a good authority figure:
    a boss,a teacher, a supervisor who seems to be know about the
    thing knowledge to me that triggers a deep-seeded response of shame or irresponsibility.
    I end up feeling bad about myself and angry at myserlf
    all in the same precious time. That is very irritating!

    Likewise, reading develops intellectuual curiosity by exposing
    one too a number of materials. You learn liposuction costs by reading books of accelerating difficulty and
    variety. For instance other involving activity, you learn by actually doing.
    Reading trains you to have a proactive and open mind.
    Merely grasping the writer's idea is inadequate.
    You must make a great response bout what you just read. Be an active, not
    a passive, human being. Develop thee practice of drawing
    ones own conclusions, the habit of active thinking, of agreeing
    or disagreeing while using the author. Keep mind open; understand and weigh the minds that
    you read. A practical part of active reading is your
    chance of conclusions as well as understanding another's reasdon for view, although you totally disagreed with
    him or her.

    Be rational and consider what you want to find in other women. Is it something which your partner does not possess?
    If you have some special fetish, ask your partner whether she is going to meet
    those needs of yours.

    It felt exactly think itrrrs great does more than a mat, practicing aikido – a martial art form that iss a big metaphor for me personally in difficult situations.
    By trying too force the technique, it's all strain and stress and struggle,
    and you could end up with hurt oor hurting your ex. But when you move from center and follow your ki (life energy), the endeavor
    is effortless.

    Think of such. You want to do something silly.

    Is not anything bad, just a little goofy. Widely recognized your
    family and friends will have a hard timme iff they find out
    youu made it happen. Eveen with the teasing, nonetheless want to try and it, and would make
    the purchase anyway if you knew they're worth be caught.
    You avoid doing it, though, because your friends have
    succeeded creating you look like a fool for evben thinking relating to it.

    In plain english now knowing the old coin value, dependimg the whole day coin collector
    or an investor, 100 % possible decide whether you wantt to sell it or keep it for your collection.
    Remember if you hang in order to your old coins for some time
    of time there is a good chance that the value will climb.

    Also visit mmy blog ost ace333 slot

    April 14, 2021 at 02:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. Darci Massay

    Great blog. Thanks for showing us.

    https://pgslotgamestop.com

    April 16, 2021 at 00:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. Refugia Markell

    Very good blog,thank so much for your time in writing the posts.

    https://www.pgslot.blog

    April 16, 2021 at 02:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. Kandi Beren

    Very good site,thank so much for your effort in writing the posts.

    https://pgslot.blog

    April 16, 2021 at 02:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. Myron Sakamaki

    Really good blog,thank you very much for your time in writing the posts.

    https://pgslot.blog

    April 16, 2021 at 02:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. Liana Simpton

    Great site. Thanks for posting.

    April 16, 2021 at 02:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. Quincy Baldacci

    cool blog. Thanks for posting.

    https://pgslot.blog

    April 16, 2021 at 02:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. Anderson Wey

    Great blog. Thanks for showing us.

    https://pgslot.blog

    April 16, 2021 at 03:01 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. Virgie Deener

    Very good site,thank you very much for your effort in writing the posts.

    https://www.pgslotgamestop.com

    April 16, 2021 at 04:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. Jerry Fralix

    Very good blog,thank you very much for your time in writing the posts.

    https://www.pgslot.blog

    April 16, 2021 at 05:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. Marquetta Throneburg

    Really good blog,thank you very much for your effort in writing the posts.

    https://pgslotgamestop.com

    April 16, 2021 at 05:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. Dick Stanis

    Great blog. Cheers for showing us.

    https://www.pgslotgamestop.com

    April 16, 2021 at 05:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. Cory Yarish

    Very good site,thank so much for your time in writing the posts.

    https://www.pgslotgamestop.com

    April 19, 2021 at 07:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. Whitley Kalkbrenner

    Very good site,thank so much for your time in writing the posts.

    https://www.pgslotgamestop.com

    April 19, 2021 at 08:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. Barry Novick

    Great site. Cheers for showing us.

    https://www.pgslotgamestop.com

    April 19, 2021 at 10:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. Josefine Lommel

    cool blog. Thanks for posting.

    April 19, 2021 at 12:25 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. Guadalupe Picou

    Great site. Cheers for showing us.

    https://pgslotgamestop.com

    April 19, 2021 at 12:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. Denese Butte

    cool site. Cheers for showing us.

    https://www.pgslot.blog

    April 19, 2021 at 12:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. Maxine Biersner

    cool site. Thanks for posting.

    April 19, 2021 at 13:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. Seymour Pelzer

    Very good blog,thank you very much for your effort in writing the posts.

    April 19, 2021 at 13:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. Sana Kozikowski

    Great blog. Cheers for posting.

    April 19, 2021 at 14:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. Drew Dawn

    Great blog. Cheers for showing us.

    https://pgslot.blog

    April 19, 2021 at 15:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. Lucius Gelhar

    cool site. Cheers for posting.

    https://pgslotgamestop.com

    April 19, 2021 at 15:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. generic viagra shipping from canada

    viagra canada for sale https://canadaviagrastore.com/ order generic viagra online canada

    April 19, 2021 at 18:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. Rafael Dua

    Very good site,thank you very much for your time in writing the posts.

    https://www.pgslotgamestop.com

    April 20, 2021 at 01:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. Corrie Padron

    Really good site,thank you very much for your effort in writing the posts.

    April 20, 2021 at 01:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. Ignacio Weigle

    Very good blog,thank you very much for your time in writing the posts.

    https://www.pgslotgamestop.com

    April 20, 2021 at 02:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. Cheree Tardiff

    Great blog. Thanks for posting.

    https://pgslotgamestop.com

    April 20, 2021 at 05:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. Synthia Klimas

    Great blog. Cheers for showing us.

    https://www.pgslot.blog

    April 20, 2021 at 06:50 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Leave a Reply to site. Cheers for showing us.


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.