The rise of gamers has had a significant impact on the global economy and on how we interact with the world around us in our daily lives. Understanding the links between video gaming and ADHD and how to balance the two may be key to a truly productive life. While video gaming and ADHD have many different links to one another, there are no definitive studies that currently state that video gaming can lead to the onset or development of ADHD in children or adults of any age.
1. Understand the Science Behind Video Gaming and ADHD
Today, it is estimated that more than 90% of all children play at least one video game at some point or another. With video gaming being a part of our daily lives, knowing the links between video gaming and ADHD and the scene behind both ADHD and gaming can go a long way. Some of the signs and symptoms that are parallel to one another in individuals who are addicted to video gaming and those who have ADHD may include hyperactivity, the inability to remain focused, and an increase in impulsivity.
Knowing how to properly identify and pinpoint these signs can help you address potential underlying issues, such as a video game addiction or in some cases, even an underdiagnosed condition such as ADHD. If you are struggling or if you believe your child is struggling with common signs and symptoms of ADHD, visiting specialists and ADHD doctors is highly recommended. Visiting an ADHD doctor is a way to ensure you are given the proper tests to determine if you are struggling with a classic form of ADHD or if you may require additional testing and resolutions for your needs.
2. Remember That Age Can Influence ADHD Symptoms
When you are in the process of learning about ADHD and how it can impact one’s life, it’s important to remember the age of the individual who has been diagnosed with ADHD. The age of an individual can influence ADHD symptoms that are prevalent in daily life. If you believe your child may be exhibiting signs and symptoms of ADHD, it is best to schedule an appointment with your preferred pediatrician or a specialist near you who understands the ins and outs of ADHD in children of all ages.
Why Visit a Specialist or a Pediatrician?
Determining if your child is struggling with a classic form of technology addiction or if they are exhibiting signs and symptoms of ADHD is not always simple or straightforward, especially if your child is particularly great at socializing and/or masking their true emotions. Making an appointment with your preferred pediatrician or seeking out a specialist who understands childhood ADHD is highly advisable if you want to learn more about your child’s behavior and current condition(s). A specialist can evaluate your child to determine whether they are truly suffering from ADHD and require additional treatment or if they are acting out due to their inability to control impulses and a growing addiction.
3. Pay Attention to How Gaming Impacts Your Daily Life
Understanding how to balance video gaming and ADHD is possible by becoming much more cognizant and self-aware of your own daily choices. When it comes to playing games and balancing any ADHD signs you may be exhibiting, it’s vital to pay attention to how much you are gaming each day as well as how gaming may be impacting your day-to-day life. If you are unable to maintain productivity at work, complete chores at home, pay your bills, or tend to your social relationships, it may be time to take a step back to reevaluate your current addiction to gaming or other ADHD signs that may currently be exasperated.
If you do, however, find that gaming is interfering with your daily life, it may be time to seek out help from healthcare providers you can trust near you. Turning to a healthcare provider is a way for you to learn more about addiction and ADHD to determine what you may be struggling with and the best course of action to take for the betterment of your life. Visiting a trusted healthcare provider can also help you choose a treatment or therapy option that is right for you based on the struggles you are experiencing on a daily basis when it comes to your gaming addiction or untreated ADHD.
4. Choose Just One Gaming Device
If you are determined to take more control of your gaming addiction or the ADHD you deal with on a daily basis, you can begin by selecting just one gaming device to use. Limiting yourself to one gaming device will remove the temptation to continue playing video games even after you are done with one. Investing in small electronic enclosures to store your video games out of your sign can also help you steer clear from temptation when you need to focus on something else that is even more important in your daily life.
Choosing to use just one gaming device can also help you harness your focus better. Designating just one gaming device will free up more of your time, allowing you to pivot to other activities, chores, and relationships that require attention each day. When you limit yourself to utilizing just one gaming device at a time, you are also exerting self-control, which can come in handy whether you’re attempting to overcome an addiction to video gaming or if you are struggling with a variety of ADHD signs and symptoms on a daily basis.
5. Use Your Gaming Experience to Inspire Other Hobbies
Because gaming is one of the leading industries in the world today, it is now easier than ever to make a living out of gaming or your experience as a gamer with ADHD. Regardless of your situation, you can use your personal gaming experiences to inspire other hobbies and other individuals from around the world. Those who are interested in gaming may also benefit from becoming graphic designers, metal artists, writers, or even cinematographers, depending on the type of gaming you are most drawn to on a typical day.
How to Use Gaming Experience to Inspire Additional Hobbies
Consider the type of games you are most interested in if you are looking to discover new hobbies and activities that are just right for you. From MMO games and simulation games to co-op stories and first-person shooters, there are many different game types, styles, and genres to keep in mind when you are thinking of learning about new hobbies that may catch your interest. Immersing yourself in gaming communities that are most appealing to you can help spark the inspiration you need to dive into new areas of interest, even if they do not involve gaming whatsoever.
6. Discuss Medication Plans and Your Gaming Habits With Your Doctor
When it comes to better understanding the research links between video gaming and ADHD, you may need to speak with your doctor. Whether you prefer visiting local family doctors or a specialist who works with patients who have been diagnosed with addiction or ADHD, there are many different professionals to consider seeing if you wish to discuss medication and treatment plans in a trusted environment.
Advantages of Seeking Medical Advice and Treatment
Visiting a medical professional you can trust is a way to learn more about your options if you are considering medication or if you are interested in discovering alternative therapies and treatments that are currently available on the market to you. Working with a medical professional who understands both addictions and conditions such as ADHD can also help you determine what you are struggling with and if you require dual diagnosis medical treatments or if you are currently misdiagnosing yourself. Whether you are seeking medications and prescriptions or if you are looking for a way to express yourself in a safe space and a welcoming environment, you can do so when you are working alongside the right doctor or medical professional.
7. Take Care of Your Body if You Play for Long Periods of Time
When it comes to both video gaming and ADHD, taking care of your body after sitting for long periods of time is essential. Sitting for any length of time can contribute to muscle soreness, stiff joints, back pain, and even long-term or permanent damage if you are not careful. Investing in the right equipment and gear, such as ergonomic chairs, can make a world of difference when it comes to comfort and long-term health for those who are passionate about video gaming as well as those with ADHD who prefer to sit for hours at a time.
8. Balance Your Time Spent Sitting and Being Active
If you want to understand the links between video gaming and ADHD, it’s important to acknowledge the importance of remaining as physically active as possible each day. Simply remaining seated for hours on end can rewrite the brain while also making it increasingly difficult to become and remain physically fit, depending on your age. Taking the time to balance the time you spend sitting versus the time you are active each day will not only help to improve your focus and ability to concentrate, but it will also prevent long-term physical effects that may be detrimental to your body as you age.
Maintaining your physical health even if you enjoy playing video games or if you have been diagnosed with ADHD is possible by visiting your preferred physician regularly for physicals while also seeking out trusted chiropractic care. Working alongside a chiropractor will help you determine which motions, actions, and exercises are optimal for your needs based on the relief you are looking for personally. A chiropractor can help you maintain physical balance and alignment even if you sit for extended periods of time each day.
9. Play Socially With People You Care About
Balancing video gaming and ADHD requires a bit of effort, especially when it comes to making connections and communicating socially. Socialization is key to preventing the development of behavioral issues or even anxiety and depression in some cases. Playing and communicating socially with people you care about can also help to keep signs and symptoms of gaming addictions as well as ADHD at bay. When you have social relationships to focus on and harness, you will likely feel less tempted or distracted.
If you are planning to get together with people you know and care about, you can do so by joining sports leagues and shopping for sports apparel or even creating a group to play board games or visit local trivia spots together. Consider who you intend to spend time with to ensure they are a positive influence. Avoid socializing with individuals who do not support your attempts to negate the development of a video game addiction or the exasperation of your ADHD symptoms.
10. Leverage Your Gaming Use for Education
Because gaming is such a thriving industry, you may also have the ability to leverage your gaming use and knowledge for education, depending on the career path you intend to carve out for yourself. Whether you intend to work in an early learning center or if you prefer to develop and promote your own courses online, you can use everything you have learned about gaming and ADHD to help educate others who may benefit from the information. Using different online and local platforms can help you spread the word about the type of education you intend to share when it comes to learning about the links between ADHD and video gaming and how to find balance in one’s life.
Understanding the links between video gaming and ADHD can help you assess your needs and the needs of any child or family member who may also be living in your household. When you are aware of the links between video gaming and ADHD, you can easily determine what course of action you will need to take to get the care or treatment you or a loved one requires. Whether you are struggling to overcome an addiction to video gaming or if you are in need of new therapies and treatments for underdiagnosed ADHD, knowing what resources you have available to you can help in creating a treatment plan that is genuinely right for you.