Psychological and behavioral symptoms of ludomania
Introduction
Ludomania (game addiction) does not develop in one day: the first signs are hidden, psychological, then they turn into clearly visible behavior. Quick diagnostics will help you stop in time and seek help.
1. Psychological symptoms
1. Obsessive thoughts and fantasies
Constant memories of past sessions, "thinking through" strategies and future bets.
The difficulty of concentrating on work or study due to leaving the world of gambling scenarios.
2. Emotional instability
Irritability, anxiety, depression or apathy after losing.
Short-term euphoria and a sense of "omnipotence" after winning, followed by irritation.
3. Cognitive biases
"Almost win" effect: feeling like "the next spin has to go in."
4. Increased risk tolerance
The desire to bet more and more for the same emotions.
Neglect of own financial boundaries and previously established limits.
2. Behavioral symptoms
1. Increased game time and frequency
Game sessions stretch from one to two hours to several hours in a row.
Attempts to play after hours: at night, during lunch breaks, instead of sleeping.
2. Inability to control costs
Exceeding daily/weekly limits "for the company" or "so that it is not boring."
Unscheduled transactions: loans from friends and microloans for the sake of a "dose of adrenaline."
3. Cover-up and deception
Deleting browser history, hiding statements and logins from a partner, friends, colleagues.
Lies about the purpose and volume of spending under the pretext of "testing a new game" or "market research."
4. Ignoring alternatives
Giving up hobbies, meeting friends, family leisure in favor of betting.
The inability to get away from the screen or leave the hall, even when there are real obligations.
3. Physical and somatic characteristics
1. Sleep disturbance
Late night sessions and daytime sleepiness.
2. Symptoms of stress
Headaches, heart palpitations, muscle tension.
3. General fatigue
Chronic weakness due to lack of proper rest and constant emotional stress.
4. Auxiliary Self-Diagnostics Methods
1. Keeping a diary of behavior
Record the date, duration of the session, bet, emotional state before and after the game.
2. PGSI scale
Rate your answers to 9 questions Problem Gambling Severity Index; 3 + points - alarm sign.
3. Regular "check-up"
Review your journal entries weekly and display a trend chart of time spent playing.
5. First steps to help
1. Restricting access
Activate BetStop (self-exclusion) and install Gamban/BetBlocker on all devices.
2. Contacting specialists
Gambler's Help hotline: 1800 858 858; Lifeline: 13 11 14.
Online chat GambleAware 24/7 for anonymous consultation.
3. Support groups
Regular Gamblers Anonymous meetings in your area; online forums for mutual assistance.
4. Psychotherapy and financial counseling
Free sessions through state services; National Debt Helpline budget advice: 1800 007 007.
Conclusion
Psychological and behavioral symptoms of ludomania appear gradually, but clear recognition is the key to timely intervention. Journaling, PGSI self-diagnosis, and first access restriction measures help stop the progression of addiction and begin to regain control of life.
Ludomania (game addiction) does not develop in one day: the first signs are hidden, psychological, then they turn into clearly visible behavior. Quick diagnostics will help you stop in time and seek help.
1. Psychological symptoms
1. Obsessive thoughts and fantasies
Constant memories of past sessions, "thinking through" strategies and future bets.
The difficulty of concentrating on work or study due to leaving the world of gambling scenarios.
2. Emotional instability
Irritability, anxiety, depression or apathy after losing.
Short-term euphoria and a sense of "omnipotence" after winning, followed by irritation.
3. Cognitive biases
"Almost win" effect: feeling like "the next spin has to go in."
4. Increased risk tolerance
The desire to bet more and more for the same emotions.
Neglect of own financial boundaries and previously established limits.
2. Behavioral symptoms
1. Increased game time and frequency
Game sessions stretch from one to two hours to several hours in a row.
Attempts to play after hours: at night, during lunch breaks, instead of sleeping.
2. Inability to control costs
Exceeding daily/weekly limits "for the company" or "so that it is not boring."
Unscheduled transactions: loans from friends and microloans for the sake of a "dose of adrenaline."
3. Cover-up and deception
Deleting browser history, hiding statements and logins from a partner, friends, colleagues.
Lies about the purpose and volume of spending under the pretext of "testing a new game" or "market research."
4. Ignoring alternatives
Giving up hobbies, meeting friends, family leisure in favor of betting.
The inability to get away from the screen or leave the hall, even when there are real obligations.
3. Physical and somatic characteristics
1. Sleep disturbance
Late night sessions and daytime sleepiness.
2. Symptoms of stress
Headaches, heart palpitations, muscle tension.
3. General fatigue
Chronic weakness due to lack of proper rest and constant emotional stress.
4. Auxiliary Self-Diagnostics Methods
1. Keeping a diary of behavior
Record the date, duration of the session, bet, emotional state before and after the game.
2. PGSI scale
Rate your answers to 9 questions Problem Gambling Severity Index; 3 + points - alarm sign.
3. Regular "check-up"
Review your journal entries weekly and display a trend chart of time spent playing.
5. First steps to help
1. Restricting access
Activate BetStop (self-exclusion) and install Gamban/BetBlocker on all devices.
2. Contacting specialists
Gambler's Help hotline: 1800 858 858; Lifeline: 13 11 14.
Online chat GambleAware 24/7 for anonymous consultation.
3. Support groups
Regular Gamblers Anonymous meetings in your area; online forums for mutual assistance.
4. Psychotherapy and financial counseling
Free sessions through state services; National Debt Helpline budget advice: 1800 007 007.
Conclusion
Psychological and behavioral symptoms of ludomania appear gradually, but clear recognition is the key to timely intervention. Journaling, PGSI self-diagnosis, and first access restriction measures help stop the progression of addiction and begin to regain control of life.
