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Regular gaming behavior and internet gaming disorder in European adolescents: results from a cross-national representative survey of prevalence, predictors, and psychopathological correlates

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Abstract

Excessive use of online computer games which leads to functional impairment and distress has recently been included as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in Section III of the DSM-5. Although nosological classification of this phenomenon is still a matter of debate, it is argued that IGD might be described best as a non-substance-related addiction. Epidemiological surveys reveal that it affects up to 3 % of adolescents and seems to be related to heightened psychosocial symptoms. However, there has been no study of prevalence of IGD on a multi-national level relying on a representative sample including standardized psychometric measures. The research project EU NET ADB was conducted to assess prevalence and psychopathological correlates of IGD in seven European countries based on a representative sample of 12,938 adolescents between 14 and 17 years. 1.6 % of the adolescents meet full criteria for IGD, with further 5.1 % being at risk for IGD by fulfilling up to four criteria. The prevalence rates are slightly varying across the participating countries. IGD is closely associated with psychopathological symptoms, especially concerning aggressive and rule-breaking behavior and social problems. This survey demonstrated that IGD is a frequently occurring phenomenon among European adolescents and is related to psychosocial problems. The need for youth-specific prevention and treatment programs becomes evident.

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Acknowledgments

The research project EU NET ADB was funded by the European Commission (Grant No. SI-2010-KEP-4101007).

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Outpatient Clinic for Behavioral Addiction, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Straße 8, 55131, Mainz, Germany

    K. W. Müller, M. Dreier, K. Wölfling & M. E. Beutel

  2. Deree College, The American College of Greece, 6, Gravias Str. 153-42 Aghia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece

    M. Janikian

  3. Themistokli Sofouli 39, Neo Psychiko, Athens, Greece

    C. Tzavara

  4. Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Athens, Greece

    C. Richardson

  5. Adolescent Health Unit (A.H.U.), 2nd Department of Pediatrics, P. and A. Kyriakou Children’s Hospital, University of Athens, 24, Mesogeion Avenue, 115 27, Athens, Greece

    A. Tsitsika

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  1. K. W. Müller
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Correspondence to K. W. Müller.

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Müller, K.W., Janikian, M., Dreier, M. et al. Regular gaming behavior and internet gaming disorder in European adolescents: results from a cross-national representative survey of prevalence, predictors, and psychopathological correlates. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 24, 565–574 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-014-0611-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-014-0611-2

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