[Computer game addiction: a psychopathological symptom complex in adolescence].
OBJECTIVE
Cases of excessive computer gaming are increasingly reported by practitioners in the psychiatric field. Since there is no standardized definition of this symptom complex, the aim of this study is to access excessive computer gaming in German adolescents as an addictive disorder and its potential negative consequences.


METHODS
Psychopathological computer gaming behavior was diagnosed by applying the adapted diagnostic criteria of substance-related-addictions as defined by the ICD-10. At the same time demographic variables, state of clinical anxiety and underlying cognitive mechanisms were analyzed.


RESULTS
6.3 % of the 221 participating pupils - mostly boys with a low educational background - fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of a behavioral addiction. Clinically diagnosed adolescents exhibited limited cognitive flexibility and were identified to utilize computer gaming as a mood management strategy.


CONCLUSIONS
These results can be interpreted as a first hint for a prevalence estimation of psychopathological computer gaming in German adolescents.
Wölfling
Klaus
K
Medizinische Psychologie und Medizinische Soziologie, Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz. woelfling@uni-mainz.de
Thalemann
Ralf
R
Grüsser-Sinopoli
Sabine M
SM
D000293:Adolescent; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018910:Video Games / Q000523:psychology*