Clinical and demographic characteristics of treatment seeking online video game players

Abstract

Background and aim

Within Switzerland, video game players seeking specialised treatment are usually referred to gambling addiction services. The Centre for Excessive Gambling (CJE) is a specialised gambling addiction unit in Lausanne University Hospital. Between 2003 and 2015 the service offered also support to 64 adults seeking treatment for videogaming-related disorders.

According to international literature, Internet disorder treatment programmes have been developed. However, little is known about clinical profile of users seeking treatment. Studies into Internet or gaming disorders typically employ Internet survey methods or use student samples. The current presentation will outline demographic and clinical features of video gamers receiving treatment at the CJE.

Method

Data were collected from the medical records of 57 video gamers seeking treatment at the CJE between 2003 and 2015.

Results

The sample includes 93% men, mostly single (91%), with an average age of 25 years ± 7. On average the sample spent 9 hours ± 5 per day playing video games. A disorder had emerged an average of 3 years ago ± 3. The crisis preceding the first consultation was familial (50%), emotional (29%) or professional (16%). Sixty-five percent of the sample had a mood disorder and 20% reported suicidal ideations.

Discussion

Treatments should address comorbidities and family problems associated with video game disorders. Offering consultations for parents could be useful, even in absence of the young player.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.