Internet gaming disorder in children and adolescents: a systematic review

• Published in: Developmental medicine and child neurology 2018-07, Vol.60 (7), p.645-659
• Main Authors: Paulus, Frank W, Ohmann, Susanne, von Gontard, Alexander, Popow, Christian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0012-1622; 1469-8749
• DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.13754

Aim Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a serious disorder leading to and maintaining pertinent personal and social impairment. IGD has to be considered in view of heterogeneous and incomplete concepts. We therefore reviewed the scientific literature on IGD to provide an overview focusing on definitions, symptoms, prevalence, and aetiology. Method We systematically reviewed the databases ERIC, PsyARTICLES, PsycINFO, PSYNDEX, and PubMed for the period January 1991 to August 2016, and additionally identified secondary references. Results The proposed definition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition provides a good starting point for diagnosing IGD but entails some disadvantages. Developing IGD requires several interacting internal factors such as deficient self, mood and reward regulation, problems of decision‐making, and external factors such as deficient family background and social skills. In addition, specific game‐related factors may promote IGD. Summarizing aetiological knowledge, we suggest an integrated model of IGD elucidating the interplay of internal and external factors. Interpretation So far, the concept of IGD and the pathways leading to it are not entirely clear. In particular, long‐term follow‐up studies are missing. IGD should be understood as an endangering disorder with a complex psychosocial background. What this paper adds In representative samples of children and adolescents, on average, 2% are affected by Internet gaming disorder (IGD). The mean prevalences (overall, clinical samples included) reach 5.5%. Definitions are heterogeneous and the relationship with substance‐related addictions is inconsistent. Many aetiological factors are related to the development and maintenance of IGD. This review presents an integrated model of IGD, delineating the interplay of these factors. Resumen Trastorno del juego en Internet en niños y adolescentes: una revisión sistemática Objetivo El trastorno del juego por Internet (IGD, siglas en inglés) es un trastorno grave que provoca y mantiene un deterioro personal y social relevante. El IGD ha sido considerado en vista de conceptos heterogéneos e incompletos. Por lo tanto, nosotros revisamos la literatura científica sobre el IGD para proporcionar una visión general enfocada en sus definiciones, síntomas, prevalencia y etiología. Método Se revisaron sistemáticamente las bases de datos ERIC, PsyARTICLES, PsycINFO, PSYNDEX y PubMed en el período desde enero del 1991 a a