Comorbid Conditions Symptom Tests

[Self-Test] Am I Addicted to Video Games?

Take this self-test to see if you may be showing signs of video game addiction.

By ADDitude Editors Verified Medically reviewed by Jeremy Edge, LPC, IGDC Reviewed on July 12, 2023
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Are video games taking over your life?

Video game addiction is characterized by excessive, out-of-control gaming that causes problems in a person’s life and impacts multiple areas of functioning. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes this condition as “gaming disorder.” In the U.S., gaming addiction is conceptualized as “internet gaming disorder” in the DSM-5.

Compared to other age groups, young adults are at greater risk for video game addiction.1 Disordered gaming is also associated with other mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).2

If you are concerned about your behaviors around gaming, answer the questions below and share your results with a licensed mental health professional.

This self-test was adapted from criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and in the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision. It is designed to screen for the possibility of gaming disorder, and it is intended for personal use only. This test is not intended as a diagnostic tool.

I’ve jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational/career opportunity because of my participating in video gaming.

Many times, I’ve neglected following through on my responsibilities and obligations in favor of gaming.

I experience urges or cravings to engage in gaming during other activities.

I’ve lied to others about the amount of time I spend playing video games.

I often go through long periods of time without eating, sleeping, exercising, and/or maintaining hygiene because of my gaming.

I don’t often realize how much time I’ve spent playing video games.

I get upset, anxious, irritable, sad, or angry when I am unable to play video games.

I know my habits around video gaming cause problems, but I continue to engage in them.

I think about playing video games all the time. When I’m not gaming, I’m often thinking about the next time I will play and/or reliving past gaming experiences.

I reach for video games to escape or cope with anxiety, guilt, helplessness, and other negative feelings.

Over time, I’ve found myself spending more time playing video games and/or looking for more complex, stimulating games to get the levels of excitement I used to experience.

Playing video games is the dominant activity in my daily life. In the last 12 months, I’ve spent close to a third of each day gaming.

I’ve lost interest in hobbies and activities I used to like as a result of my gaming.

I can’t seem to cut back on gaming time, no matter how many times I try.

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Am I Addicted to Video Games? Next Steps

View Article Sources

1 Stockdale, L., & Coyne, S. M. (2018). Video game addiction in emerging adulthood: Cross-sectional evidence of pathology in video game addicts as compared to matched healthy controls. Journal of affective disorders, 225, 265–272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2017.08.045

2 González-Bueso, V., Santamaría, J. J., Fernández, D., Merino, L., Montero, E., & Ribas, J. (2018). Association between Internet Gaming Disorder or Pathological Video-Game Use and Comorbid Psychopathology: A Comprehensive Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 15(4), 668. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15040668