In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) added “gaming disorder” to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, claiming that excessive gaming could have negative effects on players’ physical and psychological health, including damaged eyesight and disruptive sleep patterns.
What is gaming disorder?
According to WHO (2018), gaming disorder is defined in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases as a pattern of gaming behavior characterized by impaired control over gaming, and increased priority given to gaming over other activities. Gaming disorder is an addictive behavior that continues despite the occurrence of negative consequences. Young adults and teens are susceptible to developing a gaming disorder, especially with games online such as Fortnite.
What is Fortnite?
Fortnite is a popular online game, which can be played by up to one hundred players at once. The game is inspired from the 1999 Japanese novel, Battle Royale and the 2012 release of The Hunger Games. Fortnite players must scavenge supplies, build structures and find weapons to kill each other until one person is left. Fortnite is appealing due to the combination of friendly visual language, the excitement of a winner-takes-all sport is easy to use, it is free, and can be played on multiple platforms (Will Gompertz, 2018, BBC News).
Signs of gaming disorder
Fortnite has captivated the minds of many adolescents. Parents need to watch for symptoms of addiction, which include aggression, irritability, and fading interest in activities. It affects a teen’s relationships with family and loved ones and can be isolating. People addicted to gaming spend a lot of time in seclusion and that can be damaging to an adolescent’s or teen’s developing brain.
People can experience a disruption in sleep patterns. For teens, this can severely impact homework and turning in assignments at school. Sleep deprivation can lead to low job performance, coming in late to work, and frequent absences.
Get help for addictive behavior
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or addictive behavior, you are not alone. Do not let stigma prevent you from getting help. Addiction is complicated but treatment is available and there is hope in recovery. Reclaim your life and regain your health. Get help today so you can enjoy a fulfilling, meaningful, sober lifestyle.
The Fort Worth Recovery umbrella covers medically supervised detox, as well as residential programs for men and women alike. Our programs are abstinence-based and combine a 12-step approach with a strong mental health component, integrating cutting-edge techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Somatic Experiencing, and Motivational Interviewing. For more information or to start your healing journey, please fill out a contact request form and one of our recovery experts will connect with you shortly.
