Rahul Radhakrishnan, R Tharun Krishnan, M Sana M, Kareem Sulaikha Abdul, Gowda Kousthuba C, Sajna S J
Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Dayananda Sagar University, Harohalli, Karnataka, India.
Department of Psychiatry, Vinayaka Missions Kirupananda Variyar Medical College & Hospital, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India.
Psychiatry Res. 2025 Jul;349:116512. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2025.116512. Epub 2025 Apr 24.
The rapid advancement of technology has led to the emergence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), characterized by excessive engagement in online gaming and significant impairment in daily functioning. The addictive nature of gaming has raised concerns about its psychological impact, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
This cross-sectional study involved 548 participants aged 15 years and older, recruited from various educational institutions. Participants were categorized into IGD and regular gamer groups who were engaged in online gaming without meeting the diagnostic criteria for IGD. Data collection included demographic information, gaming habits, and psychological assessment using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21).
Of the participants, 18.79% were identified with IGD. Significant associations were found between IGD and various factors, including gender (p = 0.049), gaming partner (p = 0.034), gaming device (p = 0.042), time spent gaming (p = 0.041), duration of gaming (p = 0.031), and sleep duration (p = 0.04). Psychological evaluations revealed a strong correlation between gaming addiction and psychological distress. Participants with IGD reported significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, with a notable proportion falling into the "severe" and "extremely severe" categories as classified by the DASS-21.
The findings underscore the significant prevalence of IGD and its adverse psychological impacts. This study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions and mental health support for individuals displaying symptoms of gaming addiction. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects of IGD and to develop effective strategies for mitigating its psychological consequences.
技术的快速发展导致了网络成瘾障碍（IGD）的出现，其特征是过度沉迷于网络游戏且日常功能严重受损。游戏的成瘾性引发了人们对其心理影响的担忧，尤其是在青少年和年轻人当中。
这项横断面研究涉及548名15岁及以上的参与者，他们来自不同的教育机构。参与者被分为网络成瘾障碍组和普通游戏玩家组，后者参与网络游戏但未达到网络成瘾障碍的诊断标准。数据收集包括人口统计学信息、游戏习惯以及使用抑郁、焦虑和压力量表（DASS-21）进行的心理评估。
在参与者中，18.79%被认定患有网络成瘾障碍。研究发现网络成瘾障碍与多种因素之间存在显著关联，包括性别（p = 0.049）、游戏伙伴（p = 0.034）、游戏设备（p = 0.042）、游戏时间（p = 0.041）、游戏时长（p = 0.031）和睡眠时间（p = 0.04）。心理评估显示游戏成瘾与心理困扰之间存在强烈关联。患有网络成瘾障碍的参与者报告的抑郁、焦虑和压力水平显著更高，根据DASS-21分类，相当一部分人属于“严重”和“极其严重”类别。
研究结果强调了网络成瘾障碍的高患病率及其不良心理影响。这项研究突出了对表现出游戏成瘾症状的个体进行有针对性干预和心理健康支持的迫切需求。有必要进一步研究以探索网络成瘾障碍的长期影响，并制定减轻其心理后果的有效策略。
