Internet addiction and gaming alarm over teens.

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Internet addiction and gaming alarm over teens.

     Internet addiction and gaming disorder, which have emerged as a neuropsychiatric phenomenon among grown-ups has not spared Odisha's teens with psychiatrists here claiming that at least one in 10 patients come with such complaints.

   Doctors said internet addiction encroached upon the emotional sphere of the teens, reducing filial(familial) affection and leaving the mind mechanical.

     This, psychiatrists said, results in mood swings in teens and sudden reactive depression.

   

      

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 According to the doctor's,0.3% to 1% of the population might qualify for a potential diagnosis of internet gaming disorder.

    "Depression and anxiety are significantly correlated to internet gaming disorder and vice-varsa.It is the other round because the depressive ones also get hooked to mobile and internet browsing.In case of children, they get a more animated world that looks more lucrative and attractive.Gradually,they try to escape from reality and irritability sets in," observed Dr Lagnajit Dash, senior consultant,psychiatry.

   He added that children exhibit different symptoms of depression compared to adolescents."Children find it difficult to express themselves and as a result,we see more impact in biological functions such as increased fatigue,mood change and taciturnity,"he said.

   Doctors said if screen watching time is increasing gradually and irritation grows when asked to cut down,it is a warning sign and doctors should be consulted or counseling

 at home should start.

     

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         "Getting a small task done in real world stimulates the reward circuit in brain.In virtual world,the stimulation of reward circuit or dopamine is far more intense.Animation and virtual mazes increase dopamine surge excessively causing a sense of high.When a child or teen returns to the real world,he or she finds it less rewarding," said Dr Hiranmaya Mohapatra,a psychiatrist.

    Doctors also pointed out that the ones with internet addiction have poor self-care such as drastic change in sleep pattern,food habit and routine chores.

     "They show defiant behavior and doesn't listen to parents even when scolded.In acute state,when such patients bring their children,we know from their facial expression which gives a sleepless look.Behavioural therapy and mood stabilizer medicines are foremost things that we suggest," Dr Mohapatra added.