The term “addict” is sometimes used casually in reference to people who spend a lot of time playing video games, but recent research indicates that video game addiction may be more serious than we think. A study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry showed that about 8% of video gamers showed a problematic gaming compulsion that led to negative effects on social and family life, and work and studying.

The study surveyed 1,945 video game users and found that 156 of them exhibited “problem video game use.” They played longer than planned, sometimes over eight hours a day, and were compelled to play even when they did not want to. These “addicted” gamers exhibited irritability and restlessness when they were not playing video games, and experienced a recurrent urge to play. A few had tried to cut back on their hours of gaming, but were unable to restrain themselves.

Some of the surveyed problem gamers said that they were experiencing financial strain due to their gaming activities, as well as becoming withdrawn socially and having fewer friends in the real world, finding it easier to meet people online. Some gamers indicated that video games were causing problems in their work or study performance. Excessive video game playing also led to physical problems such as back pain, eye strain, and other strain injuries. Obsessive video gamers may neglect their personal hygiene, forget to eat or drink, and consume excessive amounts of caffeine.

The researchers noted that some of the symptoms exhibited by problem video game users were similar to drug or alcohol addiction. The study also called to question whether gaming addiction might have deeper roots, perhaps connected to depression or other mental-health problems. Some gamers may find that playing video games can give them a feeling of escape from their problems in real life.

Most people who are addicted to video gaming are young males under the age of 30. They are often intelligent and imaginative, but may have social problems and low self-esteem. Experts warn parents to beware of warning signs in their children, such as increased length and frequency of gaming, thinking of gaming while doing other activities (even hobbies they used to love), feeling irritable when not gaming, and even lying to family and friends about their habit. If the child’s compulsion to play seems serious, parents should consult a professional about the problem.

With the increasing popularity of video games, it can be difficult to assess when gaming can become a problem. Most people can play video games safely, but it is important to be watchful for those few who may take gaming to a dangerous level.