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ADHD and Video Games: Is Your Child Addicted?

December 4, 2019

Dr. Srikanth Reddy

#Best Psychiatrist in Indore

#Best Psychologist and De-Addiction Specialist in Indore

As video games grow in popularity, more parents are raising concerns about their impact on kids’ attention spans. A child with ADHD may be easily distracted or simply bored and have difficulty sustaining attention, but video games are constructed differently.

Playing a great video game is like living inside of a movie and being showered with gold coins. Is it any wonder our children love them? But too much of a good thing can be very, very bad when a child with ADHD hyper focuses on games and becomes addicted. Learn how to break the gaming habit here.

Any child will tell you: Video games are fun and exciting. It turns out they can be educational, too. Gaming can improve eye-hand coordination, and may foster positive social interactions. Children with attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD) or little athletic interest or capability have an opportunity to compete in a different way, and to form friendships with like-minded gamers.

Understand the Appeal of Video Games for Children

Video games hold special attractions for children with ADHD. A child who’s bothered by distractibility in the real world may be capable of intense focus, or hyperfocus, while playing. Nor is hyperactivity a problem; a child can hold the controllers and stand or pace back and forth in front of the TV as he plays.

Set Boundaries for Video Game Play

Any parent of a young child with ADHD knows that these kids often lack the capacity for self-regulation. This is particularly true when it comes to pleasurable activities that invite and reward hyperfocus. Thus, parents must be the ones to set and enforce limits — especially with children who have already become used to video-game overuse.

Offer Alternatives to Video Games

Once you’ve reduced the time your child spends playing video games, find other ways for him to occupy his time — no small feat when school’s out.

Search out an activity he can feel successful at, one that taps into his strengths and talents. If team sports are difficult, look into a sport that emphasizes individual performance, such as swimming, martial arts, golf, bowling, or gymnastics.

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