Online Gaming Addiction
Overview
In today’s digital age, online gaming has become a popular form of entertainment and social interaction. However, when gaming becomes excessive, uncontrollable, and interferes with daily life, it can lead to a serious condition known as Gaming Disorder or Online Gaming Addiction.
People with gaming addiction often spend long hours playing, neglecting personal, academic, or professional responsibilities, and experiencing withdrawal when they try to stop.
At Dr. Naazneen Ladak’s psychiatry clinic in Andheri, Mumbai, we offer specialized diagnosis and treatment for online gaming addiction, helping individuals regain balance, improve focus, and restore emotional well-being through evidence-based psychiatric care.
Causes
Online gaming addiction can arise due to a mix of psychological, environmental, and biological factors. Common causes and triggers include:
- Stress or emotional escape: Using games to avoid real-life problems or emotions
- Reward system stimulation: Dopamine release in the brain reinforces gaming behavior
- Social isolation: Lack of real-world social connections leading to dependency on virtual interactions
- Low self-esteem: Games provide a sense of achievement and identity
- Peer pressure and competition in online communities
- Depression, anxiety, or ADHD contributing to compulsive gaming
- Unstructured time or lack of daily routine
Understanding the root cause helps the psychiatrist tailor treatment that addresses both behavioral patterns and underlying emotional issues.
Symptoms
Gaming addiction can affect a person’s mental health, physical health, and relationships.
Common symptoms include:
Behavioral Symptoms
- Spending excessive hours playing games, often late at night
- Neglecting studies, work, or relationships
- Lying about gaming habits or time spent online
- Feeling restless, anxious, or irritable when not gaming
- Repeated failed attempts to reduce gaming time
Emotional & Physical Symptoms
- Mood swings or anger when interrupted during gaming
- Sleep disturbances and fatigue
- Decline in academic or work performance
- Isolation from family and friends
- Headaches, eye strain, or back pain from long gaming sessions
If you or someone you know shows these signs, it may be time to seek professional psychiatric help for gaming addiction in Andheri.
Diagnosis
At Dr. Naazneen Ladak’s psychiatry clinic, the diagnosis of gaming addiction involves a comprehensive psychological and behavioral evaluation.
The psychiatrist will:
Review gaming patterns, time spent online, and its impact on life
Conduct psychological assessments to evaluate attention span, impulse control, and emotional state
Screen for co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD
Discuss family dynamics and social relationships
Identify triggers and emotional dependencies related to gaming
This thorough evaluation ensures a personalized treatment plan designed to help patients regain control over their digital habits and mental well-being.
Treatment
Dr. Naazneen Ladak provides a holistic, step-by-step treatment approach that addresses the behavioral, psychological, and emotional aspects of gaming addiction.
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Helps identify and change unhealthy gaming patterns
Encourages positive habits and real-world engagement
Teaches coping mechanisms to handle stress and boredom
2. Motivational Enhancement Therapy
Builds internal motivation to change addictive behaviors
Helps patients set achievable personal and social goals
3. Family Counselling
Educates family members about gaming addiction
Improves communication and support within the home environment
4. Medication (if required)
In cases involving anxiety, depression, or impulse-control issues, medication may be prescribed for better emotional regulation
5. Digital Detox & Lifestyle Management
Gradual reduction in screen time
Encouraging offline hobbies, exercise, and mindfulness practices
Structured daily routines for balance between work, leisure, and rest
6. Support & Relapse Prevention
Regular follow-up sessions
Continued behavioral monitoring and progress evaluation
With professional guidance, patients can regain focus, rebuild relationships, and lead a healthy, balanced life free from digital dependency.
When To Seek Help
If gaming is interfering with your studies, career, relationships, or mental health — it’s time to reach out.
Professional help from a psychiatrist for gaming addiction in Andheri, Mumbai, can make recovery possible through structured therapy, counseling, and emotional support.
Consult Dr. Naazneen Ladak – Psychiatrist in Andheri, Mumbai
Specialist in Online Gaming Addiction, Internet Addiction, and Behavioral Therapy
Reclaim your focus and peace of mind — start your recovery from gaming addiction today.
