Internet Gaming Disorder

Abstract

The Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is characterized by a persistent and recurrent pattern of internet gaming associated with difficulty controlling gaming behavior and the occurrence of impairment or distress in daily life. This study aimed to synthesize the available evidence on IGD, focusing on its definition, diagnostic criteria, prevalence, and main associated factors. This is a narrative literature review conducted in the PubMed, Virtual Health Library (VHL), and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases, using the descriptors “Internet Gaming Disorder” and “Video Games,” combined with the Boolean operator AND. Full-text studies published in Portuguese, English, or Spanish that directly addressed the disorder, its diagnostic criteria, prevalence, and associated factors were included. The results demonstrated that the DSM-5 establishes nine criteria for IGD, with at least five required within a 12-month period: preoccupation with gaming; withdrawal symptoms following reduction or interruption of gaming; tolerance; unsuccessful attempts to control or reduce gaming; loss of interest in other activities; continued gaming despite problems; deception regarding the amount of time spent gaming; use of gaming to cope with negative moods; and impairment or loss of relationships, educational, or occupational opportunities. The ICD-11, in turn, characterizes the disorder by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming, continuation despite negative consequences, and significant impairment in daily functioning. Prevalence estimates varied according to the population, assessment instruments, and diagnostic criteria, with worldwide estimates of 3.05% and 2.47%. Associated factors included impulsivity, low self-control, depressive symptoms, anxiety, loneliness, social anxiety, sleep disturbances, low self-esteem, lower family cohesion, greater family conflict, parental monitoring, gaming-related rules, longer gaming time, reward systems, continuous progression, competition, and social interaction.