What question did this study set out to answer?

This article aims to equip general practitioners with tools to screen, diagnose, and manage gaming disorders.

May 10, 20260 citations

Gaming disorder: Practical tips for general practice.

IHIgnatius Eric Hadinata ASAnne Saunders ESErin Stephens

Key Points

This article aims to equip general practitioners with tools to screen, diagnose, and manage gaming disorders.
Assessment of gaming habits using validated screening tools.
Utilization of the timeline followback tool for comprehensive risk assessment.
Development of individualized treatment plans based on biopsychosocial formulation.
Patients engaging in harmful gaming benefit from structured screening and assessment processes.
A biopsychosocial approach aids in developing tailored treatment strategies.
General practitioners can play a critical role in early identification and management of gaming disorders.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Globally, the gaming industry generates more revenue than the music, film and gambling industries combined. Australia ranks first globally in gaming market penetration. People game for various reasons. Defining harmful gaming, however, can be challenging. OBJECTIVE: General practice can often be the first point of contact for patients who engage in harmful gaming. The aim of this article is to provide practical tools for screening, diagnosing and managing gaming disorders in general practice. DISCUSSION: When a patient presents to general practice with likely harms from gaming, it is useful to assess the patient's problem against a validated screening tool. A comprehensive assessment, assisted by the timeline followback tool, may assist with a comprehensive risk assessment and biopsychosocial formulation, which informs an individualised treatment plan.

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