A Reflection on ADHD and Video Game Addiction Risk
I’ve always been keen on learning about ADHD. It is a highly stigmatized and misunderstood mental health issue that is often brushed off as “rambunctious behaviour” in children or “laziness” in adults. The truth is, ADHD is a real disorder caused by neurodivergent chemistry and it can be a serious risk factor for problems like addiction.
Video game addiction, like any other addiction, is characterized by the pathological and compulsive use of a substance (in this case, video games). When I began looking into the science behind gaming addiction, many of the key concepts such as executive dysfunction and impulsivity felt familiar. I read through some of the studies that named ADHD as a risk factor for addiction, and I hope to share some of that information here.
By learning about ADHD and its role as a risk factor for gaming addiction, we can better address these issues and support those who deserve to be better understood, whether they are our children, our friends, or ourselves.
The Role of Dopamine
Dopamine is commonly known as a “happiness” chemical, along with the well-known oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins. However, happiness is a complex biological process and dopamine is responsible for a lot more than it is often given credit for. Dopamine is the universal motivator, and its presence or lack thereof can explain our behaviours and moods.
Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter in executive functions, which are the skills that govern self-regulation, self-control, and attention regulation. When dopamine levels are insufficient, executive function abilities are decreased, which can lead to issues such as addiction.
Low levels of dopamine are also associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety, which is why individuals facing those mental health issues often experience problems with attention, motivation, and reward-related cognition.
The Stages of Addiction
The stages of addiction can be mapped onto the dopamine level graph of an addicted brain shown below:
Initial substance use: This stage may involve an element of impulsivity and sensation-seeking.
Withdrawal: In this stage, an addicted individual may feel negative emotions or experience physical illnesses in the absence of the substance.
Anticipation: The individual craves the substance and fixates on the next opportunity to feel the initial rush/get rid of the effects of the withdrawal stage.
With each iteration through this cycle, the amount of the addictive substance required to induce a reaction in the individual increases, and the intensity of its effect is weakened. In short, the individual’s tolerance toward the addictive substance is increased and they become desensitized to it over time.
All addictions follow this basic pattern and video game addiction is no different. In the case of video games, the subject of addiction is significantly more accessible than other addictive substances, especially for teens and younger children. Video games are also viewed as commonplace and widely enjoyable, which can make signs of addiction less obvious.
ADHD as a Risk Factor
Since video games are so common nowadays, why do some people become addicted to them while others do not?
Certain hereditary factors and personality traits make addictive tendencies more or less pronounced. Some pre-existing neurochemical conditions can also be risk factors. One such example is Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.
Once again, dopamine levels are the main concern. A lack of this neurotransmitter when performing a certain task makes that task feel less engaging and rewarding. The absence of stimulation is what makes something feel boring. Individuals with ADHD experience chronic boredom because their dopamine baselines are lower than those of neurotypical individuals.
A core characteristic of ADHD is the decreased ability to regulate attention and impulsivity, which leads to problems with concentration and self-control. Recall that these executive function challenges can be caused by dopamine deficiencies. The lowered levels of dopamine may also explain why depression and anxiety are common comorbidities observed in those with ADHD.
Video games are built to reward short bursts of attention and sustain interest. Compared to other hobbies and activities, games can feel more dynamic and exciting, which may lead to overuse. Even when the user is aware of the adverse effects of excessive screen time, it can be difficult to pull away from something that is designed to make our brains feel good.
Jessica McCabe, the creator of the educational organization HowToADHD, put it best - when you are starving, you are less likely to spend time making a healthy meal. Similarly, ADHD brains that are constantly dopamine-starved have more trouble being selective when it comes to getting stimulation. The easiest, fastest fix is often the one that gets used repeatedly.
Stimulation-seeking is a coping mechanism for many individuals who have ADHD. Sometimes, the source of stimulation may be harmful to the individual and it can take a lot of mindfulness, self-control, and in some cases, external help to fight the impulses that encourage destructive behaviour.
The Role of Diagnosis
ADHD and video game addiction can affect their undiagnosed demographics in similar ways. There is no evidence to show that playing video games causes ADHD, though it can intensify symptoms. Because ADHD is a risk factor for video game addiction, in some cases, it may be worthwhile to consider if a gaming addiction is indicative of undiagnosed ADHD (if other key symptoms match up). Those with ADHD who are not diagnosed and treated at a younger age are generally more at risk for mood disorders and addiction problems later in life.
For both ADHD and video game addiction, under-diagnosed and underrepresented groups include girls and women as well as older adults. This is due in part to societal standards and stereotyping, as well as the fact that much of the diagnostic criteria is geared toward school-aged children. These factors are important to keep in mind when considering the demographics of diagnosed ADHD and video game addiction cases.
Takeaways
Though there are similarities between ADHD, video game addiction, and their common associations with depression and/or anxiety, it is important to remember that these groups are separate and each have their own unique communities.
Research is still being conducted to better understand the science behind these mental health issues. Though video game addiction was recognized as “gaming disorder” in the World Health Organization’s revision of the International Classification of Diseases in 2018, it is still a relatively new and debated area of mental health research. It is important to keep in mind that an addiction is not defined by the amount of time spent playing games, but instead by its impact on the quality of life of an individual.
If you are worried about someone in your life in regards to gaming addiction and/or ADHD and would like to approach them about the topic, keep an open mind and ask how you can best support them instead of operating on well-intentioned assumptions. When it comes to getting help, ultimately, diagnosis and formal treatment must come from a professional. In the meantime, the most beneficial course of action is to stay updated and informed about recent mental health research.