In recent years, internet gaming disorder has garnered increasing attention in Hong Kong due to its impact on Hong Kong residents’ mental health, particularly in adolescents and young adults. Internet gaming disorder is not currently recognized as a mental disorder in diagnostic manuals, but its growing prevalence has begun causing concern for many.

In this blog, we look at trends related to internet gaming disorder, explore what causes IGD, and offer advice on effective strategies to treat internet gaming disorder. If you or a loved one has been affected by this condition and would like to know more about treatment, contact The Cabin at +852-3008-5841

Internet Gaming Disorder in Hong Kong

Internet Gaming Disorder Trends

Internet gaming disorder is not a static trend, and in recent years we have seen changes to how Hong Kong residents are affected by this condition.

Prevalence

Research indicates that one in six adolescents in Hong Kong has a gaming addiction. This startling statistic shows no sign of positive change in the near future.

Demographic Patterns

Men are more likely to exhibit symptoms of Internet Gaming Disorder than women, although this gap may be narrowing as gaming becomes more gender-inclusive. Adolescents and young adults are at a higher risk, with the disorder often coinciding with the developmental period of identity formation and peer relationships.

Technological Advancements

The proliferation of smartphones, high-speed internet, and online gaming platforms has made gaming more accessible than ever before. The convenience and immersive nature of online games contribute to the risk of excessive gaming and addiction, especially among vulnerable populations.

Psychosocial Impacts

Internet Gaming Disorder is associated with a range of adverse psychosocial consequences, including impaired academic and occupational functioning, social withdrawal, disrupted sleep patterns, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. These impacts can have long-lasting effects on Hong Kong residents’ well-being and quality of life.

Is Gaming Taking Over Your Life?

    What Causes Internet Gaming Disorder?

    There is not just one cause of internet gaming disorder. Development of this condition usually involves a number of factors.

    Biological Factors

    Some people have a genetic predisposition to addictive behaviours, including gaming addiction. Variations in brain chemistry and neurotransmitter systems, such as dopamine, which is associated with pleasure and reward, may play a role in the development of internet gaming disorder.

    Psychological Factors

    Conditions like depression, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can increase the risk of developing internet gaming disorder. People with these conditions may start gaming as a coping mechanism to escape the symptoms of their condition.

    Trauma is often a key player in IGD. At The Cabin, we help people with gaming disorders explore whether they have experienced trauma and offer treatment when necessary.

    Social Factors

    Online gaming provides opportunities for social interaction and connections, which can be appealing to people who have difficulty forming relationships offline.

    Game Designs and Features

    Games are designed to be addictive. Game developers use techniques like social incentives to encourage players to continue playing.

    Stress

    Young people in Hong Kong are under undue amounts of stress to perform well academically. 80 per cent of Form 6 students report their stress levels as being “high”, due to the pressure involved in sitting the HKDSE exam.

    This stress, caused partially by cultural beliefs surrounding the importance of academic success, may be causing some Hong Kong students to turn to video games to unwind. Those prone to internet gaming disorder then risk going on to become addicted.

    Internet Gaming Disorder and the Covid-19 Pandemic

    The Covid-19 pandemic caused most of the world to effectively shut down. Schools were closed, meaning that students instead had lessons online.

    While this allowed students to continue learning, some researchers believe that this change caused a larger number of Hong Kong students to become addicted to video games.

    Treatment for Internet Gaming Disorder

    Treatment for internet gaming disorder often involves a combination of therapeutic approaches and behavioural interventions. Here are some of the most common components of treatment.

    Therapy

    The Cabin Chiang Mai Talk therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are often used to help those with internet gaming disorder identify and change their thought patterns and behaviours. This approach is considered the most effective way of treating addiction to video games.

    The Cabin rehab in Hong Kong offers outpatient treatment for internet gaming disorder, where those afflicted by this condition can get to the root of why they are addicted to gaming. This treatment often allows those with gaming addiction to move on from their addiction, finding healthier pursuits and a more meaningful life.

    Developing Coping Skills

    Teaching people with internet gaming addiction healthier ways to cope with stress, boredom and other triggers can help reduce the urge to play video games excessively. At The Cabin rehab centre in Chiang Mai, we teach our clients with internet gaming addiction mindfulness techniques, which we find can prove effective when combined with other treatments.

    Building Support Networks

    Having support is an important aspect of overcoming addiction to video games. Connection with supportive friends, family members or support groups can provide encouragement and accountability during the recovery process.

    Lifestyle Changes

    Improved sleep habits, regular exercise and hobbies outside of gaming can help reduce the appeal of gaming and improve overall well-being.

    It is important to realize that treatment for IGD is slightly different than with other addictions as there is more emphasis on finding a good balance to be able to practice responsible gaming with a good foundation on physical, mental and emotional health and a balance of other activities.

    Inpatient Treatment for Internet Gaming Disorder

    The Cabin Chiang Mai

    While a combination of the above approaches is often successful in treating internet gaming disorder, some severe cases of IGD require a more concerted treatment approach.

    For those with severe internet gaming disorder, inpatient treatment is the most effective way of addressing this addiction.  Inpatient treatment offers a break from normal daily triggers and provides a safe environment to gain valuable skills and experiences that provide lasting treatment in getting your life back on track and achieving a healthier balance.  

    The Cabin addiction treatment centre in Chiang Mai offers effective treatment for all those with an addiction to gaming, in a welcoming and tranquil environment that offers unparalleled opportunities for healing. Contact us today at +852 3008 5841 to discuss how we can help you or your loved one recover from compulsive gaming.

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