How Does Internet Gaming Disorder Relate to Exercise and ADHD?

What you need to know

• People with more internet gaming disorder symptoms tend to exercise less in their free time
• Internet gaming disorder symptoms are associated with more ADHD symptoms, especially inattention and impulsivity
• Depression symptoms may partially explain the links between internet gaming disorder and ADHD symptoms

Understanding Internet Gaming Disorder

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a condition characterized by problematic and excessive video game playing. While gaming can be an enjoyable hobby for many, some people develop an unhealthy relationship with gaming that interferes with their daily life and wellbeing.

The American Psychiatric Association has proposed diagnostic criteria for IGD that include:

• Preoccupation with gaming
• Withdrawal symptoms when gaming is taken away
• Tolerance (needing to spend more time gaming)
• Unsuccessful attempts to control gaming
• Loss of interest in other activities
• Continued gaming despite problems
• Deceiving others about gaming
• Using gaming to escape negative moods
• Jeopardizing relationships or opportunities due to gaming

For a diagnosis, someone would need to meet 5 or more criteria over a 12-month period. However, even without meeting full diagnostic criteria, some people may experience negative impacts from excessive gaming habits.

The Relationship Between Gaming and Exercise

This study found a negative correlation between internet gaming disorder symptoms and leisure-time exercise. In other words, people who reported more problematic gaming behaviors tended to engage in less physical activity during their free time.

This aligns with previous research showing that excessive technology use and gaming are associated with more sedentary behavior. Some possible reasons for this connection include:

• Gaming takes up time that could otherwise be spent exercising
• Late night gaming may disrupt sleep and energy levels needed for exercise
• The immediate rewards of gaming may be more appealing than exercise for some

However, it’s important to note that gaming and exercise are not inherently incompatible. Many people are able to enjoy gaming in moderation while maintaining an active lifestyle. The key is finding a healthy balance.

Links Between Gaming and ADHD Symptoms

The study found a moderate positive correlation between internet gaming disorder symptoms and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This means that people who reported more problematic gaming behaviors also tended to report more ADHD-related symptoms.

Specifically, IGD symptoms were associated with:

• Inattention symptoms (e.g. difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, distractibility)
• Hyperactivity symptoms (e.g. fidgeting, talking excessively, difficulty sitting still)
• Impulsivity symptoms (e.g. interrupting others, difficulty waiting turn)

The strongest relationship was between gaming symptoms and inattention. This fits with previous research suggesting inattention may be particularly relevant to technology addictions.

There are a few potential explanations for the link between gaming and ADHD symptoms:

1. People with ADHD may be drawn to the stimulation and immediate rewards of gaming
2. Excessive gaming could potentially exacerbate attention problems over time
3. There may be shared risk factors that increase vulnerability to both gaming addiction and ADHD

It’s important to note that this study only shows a correlation - it can’t prove that gaming causes ADHD symptoms or vice versa. More research is needed to understand the nature of this relationship.

The Role of Mental Health Symptoms

In addition to ADHD symptoms, this study looked at symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. They found that depression symptoms in particular played an important role in explaining the connections between gaming and ADHD.

Specifically:

• Depression symptoms were positively correlated with both gaming addiction and ADHD symptoms
• Depression partially mediated (explained) the relationship between gaming symptoms and inattention
• Depression also partially mediated the relationship between gaming and impulsivity

This suggests that depression may be an important factor to consider when looking at the overlap between problematic gaming and attention/impulse control issues.

Some possible explanations for depression’s role:

• Gaming may be used as a coping mechanism for depression
• Depression could increase vulnerability to both gaming addiction and attention problems
• Excessive gaming may contribute to depression by interfering with other activities

Again, the exact nature and direction of these relationships is still unclear. But the findings highlight the complex interplay between gaming habits, attentional control, and emotional wellbeing.

Implications for Treatment

The results of this study have some important implications for assessing and treating internet gaming disorder:

1. Clinicians should screen for ADHD symptoms, particularly inattention and impulsivity, in patients presenting with gaming addiction.

2. Depression symptoms should be evaluated, as they may play a key role in gaming addiction and associated attention problems.

3. Encouraging regular physical exercise may be beneficial as part of a treatment plan for problematic gaming.

4. Interventions that target depression, inattention and impulsivity may help address problematic gaming behaviors.

5. A holistic approach addressing mental health, ADHD symptoms, and lifestyle factors is likely to be most effective.

Conclusions

• Internet gaming disorder symptoms are associated with less physical exercise and more ADHD-related symptoms
• Depression appears to partially explain the links between gaming addiction and attention/impulse control issues
• Clinicians should consider screening for ADHD and depression when treating problematic gaming
• Promoting physical activity and addressing mental health may help in managing gaming addiction