Gaming addiction and anxiety symptoms: early diagnosis and help

1. What is gaming addiction

Gambling addiction (pathological gambling) is a chronic desire to play despite the negative consequences for financial, social and physical health. In the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), it is recognized as a drive control disorder.

2. Emotional symptoms

Obsessive thoughts
The constant desire for bets, dreams of a "big win," the difficulty of focusing on other things.
Guilt and shame
After the game, there is a deep sense of guilt, a desire to hide their actions from loved ones.
Anxiety and irritability
When trying to shorten or interrupt the game, nervousness, aggression, irritability arise.

3. Behavioral signs

Increase bid time and amount
Gradual increase in the duration of sessions and the size of rates without clear calculation and control.
Failed attempts to stop
Repeated but unsuccessful attempts to abandon the game or severely limit yourself.
Games off the plan
Unauthorized violation of pre-established time and financial limits.

4. Financial red flags

Loans and debts
Turning to friends, relatives or banks for money to continue the game.
Delays in mandatory payments
Non-payment of rent, utility bills, loans due to the priority of gambling.
Using recent funds
All-or-nothing bets on the last money, attempts to recover losses through another game.

5. Social and family consequences

Isolation and reduced activity
Refusal to communicate with friends and participate in family events.
Conflict and distrust
Quarrels over money, lying arguments and accusations of dishonesty.
Deterioration of work and study
Absences, decreased productivity, threat of dismissal or academic failure.

6. Physical manifestations

Sleep disturbance
Frequent nocturnal sessions lead to insomnia or excessive sleepiness.
Health problems
Headaches, back and neck pain, dry eyes due to prolonged sitting in front of the screen.
Decreased appetite or overeating
Loss of interest in food or compensatory overeating when stressed.

7. Self-diagnosis and risk assessment

1. Test for 10 questions
- Ask yourself simple questions: were you worried about excitement outside the game? Have you escalated the stakes? Do you hide the game from loved ones?
2. Alarm threshold
- If you answered yes to 4 or more questions - it's time to think about help.

8. What to do when symptoms appear

1. Restrict access
- Turn on self-exclusion on the casino site and install Gamban or BetBlocker blockers.
2. Set clear limits
- Set strict daily/weekly time and deposit limits, make them through the operator's personal account.
3. Keep a player diary
- Record each session: dates, bet amounts, results and emotional state.
4. Distracting activities
- List of alternatives: sports, reading, creative projects; switch at the first call to play.

9. Professional assistance

Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858)
Free 24-hour hotline and online chat.
Gamblers Anonymous (GA)
Anonymous group meetings on the 12-step program.
Psychologists and psychiatrists
Specialists with experience with addictive behavior; CBT and motivational interviewing.

Conclusion

Gaming addiction develops gradually: secular bets develop into an obsessive need. Timely recognition of emotional, behavioral and financial symptoms helps to stop before a crisis. Use self-esteem, technical barriers, a diary and turn to professional support to maintain control and health.