A new study has found that children and teenagers suffering from video game addiction may develop psychological disorders such as depression. They are often more impulsive and unable to socialize effectively.
The study, which was published in the February issue of Pediatrics, found that participants who played more than 30 hours a week lacked social competence and empathy. The addiction to gaming often preceded depression and anxiety, Health Day reports.
Douglas A. Gentile, an associate professor of psychology at Iowa State University, told the news source that it was unclear whether gaming was the cause of such psychological issues or a secondary problem. Children who are already socially awkward might be more likely to become addicted to video games, he said.
The study surveyed 3,034 children and teens from Singapore between 2007 and 2009. Almost 2,200 of the participants were male.
