The addicted person tries to create a positive world for himself in the virtual world.
Indicating that situations such as being too busy with internet games, experiencing various problems when being away from the internet or games are a sign of digital addiction. Experts say that the development of internet addiction depends on some factors. Noting that individuals who are not satisfied with various situations engage in behaviors that will cause dopamine to be released in order to be satisfied, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist Assist. Assoc. Dr. Melek Gözde Luş points out that adventure games are the type that releases the most dopamine. Expressing that multiplayer online games increase addiction, Luş emphasizes that families should be aware of the factors that sustain them.
Child and Egen Psychiatry Specialist Assist. Assoc. Dr. Melek Gözde Luş made statements about the symptoms, causes and treatment methods of digital addiction in children and listed her recommendations for families.
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The increasing time spent on the Internet is a symptom of addiction
Children and Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist Assist. Assoc. Dr. Melek Gözde Luş stated that the criteria for internet addiction, also called virtual addiction, are defined by behavioral addictions.
Referring to the symptoms of digital addiction, Luş said, "Being too busy with internet games, experiencing various problems when away from the internet or games, increasing time spent, not being able to stop playing games, not being able to stop using social media platforms, quitting one's hobbies. Continuing to use the internet excessively despite the fact that he has psychological problems because of this, and trying to create a positive world for himself in the virtual world by discarding all his negative emotions are signs of digital addiction.”
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Game addiction is also related to game types
Luş said that some factors are necessary for the development of internet addiction and said, It is revealed that impulsivity is a biological factor in children who are irritable. We call the 'reward deficiency syndrome' when an individual who is not satisfied with various situations needs more stimulants to be satisfied. We know that the reward mechanism is impaired, especially in individuals who like to take risks. Individuals engage in behaviors that cause these causes to release dopamine.” said.
Adding that the continuation of game addiction, especially in children, is an environmental factor related to game types, Luş said, “The type that releases the most dopamine is adventure. Multiplayer online games seen lately are increasing addiction even more.”
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There are also benefits if she decides to do so
Indicating that playing internet games has some benefits when it is not overdone, Asst. Assoc. Dr. Melek Gözde Luş said, “It has been observed that the games also have the effects of improving the mental activities of the person. It can have benefits such as improving problem solving skills, learning about defeat, gaining motivation, providing a social environment for individuals who do not socialize, and increasing positive thoughts of the person.
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If problems start to emerge, help should be sought
Referring to the problems caused by digital addiction, Luş said, "Academic problems, Problems such as family problems, behavioral problems, sleep problems, anxiety disorder, confusion between the real world and the virtual world can be seen. If such problems begin to occur, help should be sought. In addition, due to being in front of the computer for too long, physical problems such as some spinal problems, weight loss or weight gain, constant tiredness, headaches, deterioration in the eyes, and decreased self-care can be encountered.
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All factors should be evaluated for treatment
Emphasizing that it is important to determine the maintenance factors and for families to realize them, Assist. Assoc. Dr. Melek Gözde Luş said, “Perhaps an individual's personal characteristics make him/her not enjoy life. There is another psychiatric problem he is in. Knowing this is an important point. The individual's unwillingness to change this situation is a maintenance factor that we need to realize.” said.
Underlining that addiction is a treatable disease, Luş concluded his words as follows:
"First of all, all factors, comorbidities and family structure should be evaluated. Our first priority is to identify and support the elements that need to be supported, and then to start therapy appropriately. Medication can also be recommended when necessary.”
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