Digital gaming among adolescents in clinical settings: Do we underestimate this issue?

Abstract

ObjectiveGaming disorder is a serious public health problem; however, there is a limited number of studies on this issue in clinical settings. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of addicted and at-risk gamers among adolescents who applied to a child psychiatry clinic and to identify the differences in clinical characteristics and game preferences between addicted gamers and other gamers. MethodA total of 320 adolescents participated in this study. The Digital Game Addiction Scale – Short Form (DGAS-7) was used to evaluate addiction, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was used to evaluate emotional and behavioral problems. Game preferences and interest in those games were evaluated with a survey. Gamers were classified as “addicted gamers,” “regular gamers,” and “casual gamers” according to DGAS-7 scores and gaming frequency. ResultsOne out of every five adolescents played digital games at least once a day; only 3.4% (n = 11) had not played digital games in the last 12 months. According to the DGAS-7 scores, 17.5% of the adolescents were addicted gamers. Roleplaying and shooter game preference was significantly higher among addicted gamers. Hyperactivity/inattention and conduct problems were prevalent among addicted gamers, and addicted female gamers had significantly more emotional, behavioral, and peer problems than addicted male gamers. Addicted female gamers also had more conduct problems than regular and casual female gamers. ConclusionFemale gamers may be underestimated but may have more behavioral problems than male gamers. Further studies on gaming disorder, gaming preferences, and affecting factors are needed to support these results.