Gaming disorder and the COVID-19 pandemic: Treatment demand and service delivery challenges

Daniel L. King; Sophia Achab; Susumu Higuchi; Henrietta Bowden-Jones; Kai W. Müller; Joël Billieux; Vladan Starcevic; John B. Saunders; Philip Tam; Paul H. Delfabbro

doi:10.1556/2006.2022.00011

Gaming disorder and the COVID-19 pandemic: Treatment demand and service delivery challenges

Daniel L. King
, Sophia Achab
, Susumu Higuchi
, Henrietta Bowden-Jones
, Kai W. Müller
, Joël Billieux
, Vladan Starcevic
, John B. Saunders
, Philip Tam
, Paul H. Delfabbro

College of Education, Psychology and Social Work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

29 Citations (Scopus)

81 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Gaming activities have conferred numerous benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some individuals may be at greater risk of problem gaming due to disruption to adaptive routines, increased anxiety and/or depression, and social isolation. This paper presents a summary of 2019-2021 service data from specialist addiction centers in Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Treatment demand for gaming disorder has exceeded service capacity during the pandemic, with significant service access issues. These data highlight the need for adaptability of gaming disorder services and greater resources and funding to respond effectively in future public health crises.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	243-248
Number of pages	6
Journal	Journal of Behavioral Addictions
Volume	11
Issue number	2
Early online date	12 Apr 2022
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2022.00011
Publication status	Published - Jun 2022

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

addiction
behavioral addiction
gaming disorder
problematic gaming
service delivery
treatment

Access to Document

10.1556/2006.2022.00011Licence: CC BY-NC

Final published versionFinal published version, 730 KBLicence: CC BY-NC

Cite this

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abstract = "Gaming activities have conferred numerous benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some individuals may be at greater risk of problem gaming due to disruption to adaptive routines, increased anxiety and/or depression, and social isolation. This paper presents a summary of 2019-2021 service data from specialist addiction centers in Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Treatment demand for gaming disorder has exceeded service capacity during the pandemic, with significant service access issues. These data highlight the need for adaptability of gaming disorder services and greater resources and funding to respond effectively in future public health crises. ",

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AU - Billieux, Joël

AU - Starcevic, Vladan

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Gaming disorder and the COVID-19 pandemic: Treatment demand and service delivery challenges

Abstract

UN SDGs

Keywords

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