Commentary: A Response to “Problems with the Concept of Video Game “Addiction”: Some Case Study Examples”

Abstract

Confusion surrounds the concept and definition of videogame addiction. There is an inherent tendency to categorize certain repetitive appetitive behaviours as addictive on the basis of adverse consequences without taking into account the core requirement of impaired control manifested as the failure to cease or limit behaviour despite the genuine motivation to do so. Value-based criticism of a behaviour or its associated harm is insufficient to pathologize that behaviour as a psychological disorder. Similarly, the simple act of applying one set of diagnostic criteria for one disorder to another is not scientifically or logically acceptable. The study of videogame play may shed light on the concept of non-substance addictions and the role of pre-existing mental health in its etiology. Richard Wood (Wood 2007 this issue) offers an interesting perspective on this topic.