Video Gaming Addiction

The video game industry generates annual revenues of nearly $200 billion. Current estimates are that over 3.2 billion people regularly play video games worldwide. 76% of Americans under 18 play video games.  Gaming addiction affects at least 3% of gamers.

The DSM-5 recognizes Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) as a mental health diagnosis and further identifies nine symptoms ranging from preoccupation with gaming to withdrawal symptoms when gaming is taken away or not possible.

Brain imaging studies related to IGD have shown structural changes in the brain, particularly a reduction in white-matter density (consisting mostly of cells and axons that transmit signals from the cerebellum to other brain regions) and grey-matter volume (associated with emotions, perception, memory, and motor control). Specifically, studies showed several regions of the brain demonstrated reduction in grey-matter volume in gaming disorder participants, as depicted above.

Victims may be eligible for compensation for medical and mental health expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. To see if you  are eligible, please contact our firm.