Are Video Games Beneficial or Detrimental for Individuals with ADHD?
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Understanding the Impact of Video Games on ADHD
In recent weeks, I have found myself dedicating over 25 hours to gaming, a significant amount I haven't engaged in for quite some time. The allure of Fire Emblem: Three Houses has led me to lose track of time, often playing for four hours straight. With a myriad of responsibilities—including work, starting law school, and managing a side hustle—this immersion feels both enticing and concerning.
Back in my childhood, I could easily spend up to eight hours playing Maplestory, a popular MMORPG. However, as an adult, my responsibilities have multiplied, including household chores and bills. While I do carve out about an hour each day for gaming during the summer, I notice that once I start, I struggle to stop. Unlike passive entertainment like television or social media scrolling, gaming demands active engagement and strategy.
My excessive gaming has led to feelings of losing control, raising questions about whether my recent ADHD diagnosis could be influencing my gaming habits. After experiencing significant inattentiveness and disorganization, I began taking Strattera, a non-stimulant medication, and have noticed slight improvements in my focus. This leads me to ponder the connection between my past gaming habits, my current feelings of losing control, and ADHD.
Engagement in video games often showcases a level of concentration that many individuals, including myself, may lack in other areas. Despite struggles with focus in everyday tasks, the immersive nature of gaming can create a paradox where individuals with ADHD can channel intense focus. This brings up critical questions about the relationship between gaming and ADHD, prompting me to delve into existing research.
Research Insights on ADHD and Gaming
A 2009 study from Iowa State University, cited by Colin Guare and colleagues in ADDitude, identifies a relationship between "pathological" gaming and ADD, particularly in teenage boys. I certainly identified with this classification during my youth, as I averaged over 24 hours of gaming weekly, impacting my academic performance.
Another study by Maria Panagiotidi in CyberPsychology, Social Networking, and Behavior highlights a significant correlation between problematic gaming and ADHD traits among adults. This research suggests that inattention and time spent gaming are strong indicators of problematic gaming behavior, particularly in adults with ADHD. Interestingly, adults exhibiting hyperactivity do not share the same correlation.
It is crucial to address the misconception held by many American parents that excessive screen time, including video games, leads to ADHD. As noted by Temma Ehrenfeld at Healthline, while a small percentage of youth might meet criteria for internet gaming disorder, there is no conclusive evidence linking video games to the onset of ADHD. However, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) indicates that heavy digital device users may exhibit ADHD symptoms at twice the rate of infrequent users. Thus, while gaming doesn’t cause ADHD, it can exacerbate existing symptoms.
Personal Experiences and Gaming Boundaries
I have attempted to set limits around my gaming habits, aiming for brief sessions or an hour of playtime. Overall, I have improved my ability to manage responsibilities without letting gaming interfere. However, when I find myself with ample free time, I sometimes lose control over how long I play.
The challenge escalates when gaming disrupts my self-care routines. On a long drive home from Florida, I chose to play video games instead of resting, jeopardizing my safety by driving while exhausted. This pattern of prioritizing gaming over necessary sleep has occurred too often in my life.
For me, the realization is clear: I need stricter gaming boundaries. Yet, it's essential to acknowledge that each person with ADHD has their unique experiences with video games.
For many, gaming serves as a source of relaxation and can effectively alleviate ADHD symptoms. It provides much-needed stimulation for those feeling understimulated. Conversely, for individuals like myself, who struggle with gaming control, the experience can become overwhelming.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer regarding the effects of gaming on individuals with ADHD. For some, it can be a positive outlet, while for others, it may pose challenges. Those with inattentive ADHD should be particularly cautious due to the potential connection between inattention and problematic gaming behavior.
In conclusion, determining whether video games are beneficial or harmful hinges on individual circumstances.
The first video titled "ADHD, Gaming & Social Media - THE TRUTH" explores the intricate relationship between ADHD and gaming, providing insights into how these elements interact.
The second video, "6 ways ADHD makes gaming SUCK," dives into the challenges individuals with ADHD face when engaging in video games, offering practical advice for managing these issues.