Parent Quiz – 5+ Criteria Met
You have cause for concern.
The quiz you have just taken contains a list of nine questions the American Psychiatric Association proposes to screen for video game addiction.
You are on this page because your son or daughter met at least five criteria, which is the proposed amount by APA to be diagnosed with a video game addiction.
Disclaimer: This is an informal screening tool. For a proper assessment seek the support of a professional.
What is a video game addiction?
Video game addiction is real, and the World Health Organization will soon officially classify it under the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).
Gaming Disorder is characterized by a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behaviour, which may be online or offline, manifested by:
- impaired control over gaming (e.g., onset, frequency, intensity, duration, termination, context);
- increasing priority given to gaming to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities;
- continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.
The behaviour pattern is of sufficient severity to result in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning.
The pattern of gaming behaviour may be continuous or episodic and recurrent. The gaming behaviour and other features are normally evident over a period of at least 12 months in order for a diagnosis to be assigned, although the required duration may be shortened if all diagnostic requirements are met and symptoms are severe.
Action should be taken immediately
Every case is different and I am not here to make a professional assessment, however I encourage you to take action immediately. Here are steps you can take today:
1. Seek the support of a professional. I have compiled a list here.
2. Purchase a copy of Reclaim. During this time it’s crucial you learn as as you can about video game addiction, why it happens, and what the practical steps are you can take to fix it.
I understand how you feel, because I was addicted to playing video games. In fact, I dropped out of high school, never went to college, and even wrote a suicide note. That is until I learned “why” I was so drawn to games. Today I’ve been game-free for seven years, and I’m finally reaching my full potential! Now I want to help your teenager or young adult do the same.
Reclaim contains years worth of my experience, and thousands of hours studying this subject distilled into exactly what you need to know to help your teenager or young adult overcome their video game addiction.
Cam’s book Reclaim is brilliant and is highly needed. We strongly recommend Reclaim to parents seeking help and solutions for their kids struggling with digital media overuse. – Andrew Doan, MD, PhD (author, speaker, and neuroscientist) and Julie Doan, RN (author, speaker, and life coach)
3. Join our Parent Support Group on Facebook. You are not alone, and there are so many parents just like you working on this issue every single day. Come join our group and receive support from others.
4. Book a private consultation. This hour-long call via phone or Skype will help me provide feedback on your unique situation. Upon payment I will email you with a link to my calendar.
I’m a mom of a struggling teen and you give me hope. – Michelle
Who is Cam Adair?
Cam Adair is the founder of Game Quitters, the world’s largest support community for video game addiction, serving 50,000 members in 85 countries. Named one of Canada’s top 150 leaders in Mental Health, his work has been published in Psychiatry Research, and featured in two TEDx talks, Forbes, BBC, ABC News, Vice, CBC, CTV, The Star, and The Huffington Post, amongst others. He’s an internationally recognized speaker, humanitarian, and YouTuber with over two million views. Born in Canada, he currently lives in California.