Can Video Games Cause Anxiety?

• Recent reviews show problematic online gaming was linked to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and inattention (a symptom of ADHD). 
• Another review, which looked at a variety of games, found gaming was associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and physical distress.
• Children who experience long-term gaming, solo gaming, and lack of sleep may be at greater risk for developing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or ADHD. Children may also use gaming as a coping strategy to deal with already present mood swings or other challenges. In this case, these issues may become even harder to treat.

Video games may contribute to anxiety in players for several reasons:

Overstimulation and competitive pressure

Fast action, loud music, and bright visuals in a game can overload the nervous system. Competitive games can push players to boost their rank and get listed on the leaderboard. If a player loses or drops in rank, performance anxiety may result.

Online harassment and fear of missing out

For some people, being connected online to other gamers leads to harassment. Players may be subjected to insults, threats, and other negative behavior from other players. Some game designers use rewards for daily logins and limited-time purchase events. These may lead some players to worry about missing out and withdraw from contact with other people in real life.

Sleep loss and social isolation

Players may experience irritability or anxiety when they are not able to play, after a long night of gaming, or even after they have played. This can affect a gamer’s normal life, sleep, exercise, and time spent with friends and family.

Anxiety about gaming can surface at any time before, during, or after playing a video game. Some gamers may say they feel nervous or irritable after playing. A gamer could be experiencing gaming anxiety if they are constantly thinking about gaming.

Some gamers experience distress when delays in game start time or interruptions occur. Sometimes, a gamer could get stuck in a video game to the point where they are unable to stop playing the game.

Emotional and Physical Symptoms

Can playing video games cause anxiety? Video games may contribute to serious anxiety and interfere with a gamer’s daily life:

• Fear or anxiety before starting a game.
• Obsessing about rankings or progress
• Irritability, anger, or trouble calming down after gaming
• An increased heartbeat, a panic attack, or excessive sweating while playing
• Headaches, stomach problems, or muscle tension

Behavioral Signs

Signs and symptoms of game-related anxiety:

• Hiding the amount of time spent playing video games from family and friends
• Anger or refusing to stop gaming
• Dropping grades and neglecting duties.
• Isolation

A study found that losses, actions by other players, and technical problems can often lead to gamer rage in children.

In some cases, video games in moderation can have positive effects on anxiety. The virtual world of a game can be a great escape from reality for a while and a place to interact with others. However, gaming to avoid dealing with real-life can have a negative effect and increase the severity of one’s anxiety.

While video games may help some people manage anxiety in moderation, using them to avoid dealing with the causes of anxiety may contribute to gaming-related problems. A study from the University of California, Santa Barbara found that teens with preexisting depressive symptoms and social issues were more likely to develop problematic gaming behaviors.

“Gaming disorder” is a recognized term in the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases. The ICD-11 describes gaming behavior that causes significant impairment in important daily life areas and would normally be evident for at least 12 months.

Such diagnosed behavior includes: 

1. failing to control gaming habits
2. increased gaming time
3. continuing or escalating gaming despite negative consequences

Behaviors often worsen or interfere with daily activities, including work or school, and personal care.

Video game addiction generally refers to a player’s lack of control over gaming despite harm to their life and relationships.

Some of the patterns below could indicate to a parent or gamer that video gaming may be increasing anxiety:

1. Increased levels of anxiety during gaming or after gaming;
2. A child has been playing video games for long periods;
3. The child is unable to stop playing the video game;
4. Gaming has affected how a child is doing in school;
5. Gaming has affected their ability to complete homework or chores;
6. The child’s sleep has been altered by gaming.

The American Psychiatric Association includes Internet Gaming Disorder in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It is listed as a condition for further study, specifically under Internet Gaming Disorder.

The American Psychiatric Association’s proposed criteria for Internet Gaming Disorder include: 

1. Preoccupation with gaming 
2. The need to play video games to feel normal or stimulate pleasure
3. Withdrawal effects from playing video games
4. Inability to cut down on video game playing
5. Gaming is seriously interfering with a person’s daily life at school, work, or with family and friends. 

The DSM-5-TR states that Internet Gaming Disorder may involve symptoms that cause significant distress or impairment in an individual’s functioning. The duration of such symptoms should be observed for at least one year.

Techniques that may help manage video games and anxiety:

• Use a timer and set game time limits,
• Stop gaming at least one hour before bedtime,
• Switch to lower intensity games,
• Insist on exercise and in-person social contact.

Stay calm and consistent when managing your child’s boundaries. Track any behavioral changes. If or when signs of anxiety or aggression escalate, seek evaluation and therapy.

If gaming harms a child’s life, relationships with family and friends, or schoolwork, then the child may benefit from some help. The child’s treatment team may need information about any previous treatment the child has had and any previous or ongoing medical or school problems. They may also require a log of the child’s screen time and details of any in-game purchases.

There are many families who report that their child has experienced anxiety or even gaming disorder in connection with playing certain video games. Every case is different and only merits consideration if there is sufficient evidence of serious harm caused by video game play.

Some parents have sued the makers of video games, such as Epic Games (Fortnite), Mojang/MS (Minecraft), and Roblox Corporation, alleging that these companies specifically targeted children. Additionally, lawsuits allege that certain companies used design features intended to increase engagement and in-game spending.

A 2024 law review article examined lawsuits against major game makers. These lawsuits allege that gaming addiction harms young players. One player alleged that gaming caused emotional distress, rage, and worsened anxiety, depression, and ADHD.

Addictive Design and Loot Box Allegations

Many lawsuits have focused on allegations that certain game mechanics were designed to keep children and teenagers playing for long periods. Research into the effects of gaming on children is ongoing. Loot boxes within the game are of particular concern due to their gambling-like nature. Research has linked “loot boxes” to problem gambling symptoms and may be relevant in some addiction-related claims.

For those who have played video games, which may have resulted in harm due to compulsive gaming, you may request a free case review to discuss whether the facts of your case support a potential claim.

Free Case Review

Individuals or families who believe video games contributed to serious anxiety or documented harm can request a free case review to discuss their situation. Your information may be reviewed to determine whether your situation may qualify for further legal review. Information submitted for review is kept confidential to the extent permitted by law. A review does not guarantee that your case will be accepted, nor does it establish an attorney-client relationship or obligate you to use specific services.

What Happens After You Submit Your Information

After you submit your information, you may be asked a few questions to help better understand your or your child’s situation. For example:

1. How old is the player?
2. Which games has the player played and for how long?
3. What symptoms of compulsive gaming has the player experienced?
4. How has excessive gaming affected the player’s school, work, or daily life?
5. Has the player been treated before for any mental health or addiction concerns?
6. What kind of treatment was received?
7. What documentation do you have of how video games may have harmed the player?