Preexisting Mental Health Issues Likely Drive Video Game Addiction in Adolescents

Video games like Pong, Pac-Man, Minecraft, and Fortnite have long been sources of entertainment, but for some teenagers, gaming can become compulsive or problematic. In extreme cases, it leads to gaming disorder, characterized by social withdrawal, distress, conflicts, and neglect of responsibilities. The question arises: are the games themselves to blame, or are there underlying mental health issues at play?

Recent research by scientists Kylie Falcione and René Weber from UC Santa Barbara's Media Neuroscience Lab provides insights into this issue. Their study, published in JAMA Network Open, explores whether preexisting psychopathology contributes to the development of gaming disorder in adolescents.

The study analyzed data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study spanning from 2018 to 2022, involving 4,289 U.S. teenagers who played video games across three age groups: 11–12, 12–13, and 13–14 years. Researchers meticulously examined participants’ mental health histories, including depression, anxiety, prior gaming issues, alongside variables like impulsivity, bullying, and traumatic events.

Findings indicate that preexisting mental health problems—such as depression and social issues—strongly correlate with problematic gaming behaviors. Adolescents already dealing with these challenges are more susceptible to falling into harmful gaming cycles, often using gaming as an unhealthy coping mechanism. This suggests that gaming disorder is more often a symptom of underlying psychopathology rather than solely a consequence of the gaming environment itself.

The researchers highlight the complexity of the relationship, noting a potential 'downward spiral' where mental health issues and gaming disorder reinforce each other over time. This intricate dynamic underscores the need for tailored treatment strategies that address core psychological concerns.

Experts recommend that intervention begins with identifying and treating the underlying mental health issues, rather than solely restricting gaming activity. Parents should seek professional guidance to manage underlying problems, as simply removing games may not resolve the root causes and can lead to relapse or substitution with other unhealthy outlets.

Globally, gaming disorder affects approximately 3% of gamers, though prevalence varies based on definitions, game types, and demographics. This research underscores the importance of understanding individual mental health in addressing problematic gaming behaviors and highlights the necessity for comprehensive treatment approaches.

For more details, see the full study: Kylie Falcione et al, 'Psychopathology and Gaming Disorder in Adolescents', published in JAMA Network Open.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-video-game-addiction-teens-stems.html