Based from The Sun An addiction to online video games is a very real problem and could have significant consequences to those suffering.

An addiction to standard video games that are designed for a single player usually relates to the player needing to complete a mission, or beat a high score.

Online multiplayer games usually have no ending and gamers enjoy creating and building relationships with other online characters and players which can provide a community feeling and an escape from reality.

“Someone addicted to gaming has become socially dysfunctional because of their compulsive need to game,” Dr Mateen Durrani, Group Psychiatrist at leading addiction treatment firm UKAT, told The Sun.

“The user will have lost their power of choice, in that playing games has completely taken over their life and they are obsessed,” he added.

“Parents who believe their child has a dependency-based problem with internet games should seek professional help immediately.”

What are the signs and symptoms of an addiction to video games?

Dr Durrani lists the following tips for identifying a video game addiction:

Obsessive behaviour

1. Being completely preoccupied about getting back to the game and displaying irritable, restless and even aggressive behaviour when not playing.

Physical warning signs

2. Headaches and fatigue due to lack of sleep.

3. A loss of appetite and poor diet.

4. In severe cases, diminished personal hygiene.

Being locked away for hours

5. Self-imposed isolation to ensure uninterrupted game play.

UKAT runs several treatment centres for those dealing with alcohol addiction, drug addiction, eating disorders, and video game addiction.

“If your child plays online games for hours on end, this does not necessarily mean that they are addicted or have a dependency-based problem,” said Dr Durrani.

“But time spent, coupled with these main physical and psychological symptoms, could indicate a problem.

“Early intervention in children could result in a healthy, moderated use of online games in the future, if the issue is tackled sooner rather than later.”