Russian psychiatrist Ruslan Isaev has outlined key signs to help people distinguish video game addiction from a healthy gaming hobby.
Isaev, an addiction specialist who serves as head of Dr. Isaev's Clinic and president of the Independent Narcology Guild, told Russian news outlet Gazeta.Ru that spending several hours playing video games after work does not automatically indicate a disorder. For many people, gaming is simply a way to relax, similar to watching television series or talking with friends.
To identify potential pathological behavior, Isaev suggested checking oneself or family members against several specific questions. He said people should evaluate whether a player can stop at a planned time or routinely stays up longer, whether past attempts to reduce gaming time have failed, whether an individual gives up other interests such as sports, social meetings, or sleep for games, whether problems have arisen at work or in personal life, and whether gaming continues despite an awareness of its harm.
Diagnostic Criteria and Impact
According to Isaev, medical professionals diagnose gaming disorder using three key criteria defined under the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision. These criteria include a loss of control over gaming, prioritizing games over other life commitments, and continuing to play despite negative consequences such as family conflicts, deteriorating health, or problems at work.
The International Classification of Diseases, known as ICD-11, is a global diagnostic standard published by the World Health Organization to categorize medical conditions and behavioral disorders. Addiction psychiatry focuses on identifying and treating both substance dependencies and behavioral compulsions that disrupt daily functioning.
Video games have become one of the most widespread forms of digital leisure globally. While millions of people play regularly without adverse effects, clinical specialists evaluate behavioral patterns to distinguish routine recreation from compulsive health conditions.
Dating Survey and Related Trends
The expert advice follows a recent survey conducted by the dating service Mamba, in which Russian women listed the main flaws they perceive in men. Various forms of addiction, including alcohol abuse and gambling, ranked in first place among the respondents' top concerns.
Mamba is a major social discovery and online dating network in Eastern Europe that frequently conducts research on relationship preferences. Medical specialists note that unmanaged addictive behaviors often contribute to domestic conflict and strain personal relationships across different areas of life.
