Does playing video games increase the risk of ADHD in children?

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 10 children aged 15-17 years are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a behavior disorder that makes children behave impulsively (not thinking long before they act), hyperactive, so it is difficult to communicate with other people. So far it is not certain what causes ADHD. However, some say they play too often video games could be a trigger for ADHD in children. Is that true?

The relationship between video games and ADHD in children

David Anderson, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute explains that until now there is no strong evidence that can confirm that addiction to play video games can cause ADHD in children. However, it is children who love to play video games are at high risk for developing ADHD symptoms several years later.

Playing any game, including video games, it requires skill and high focus. This is what sometimes unconsciously triggers changes in the child's brain, so that the game seems to be present in real life.

"A child with ADHD generally gets bored easily and loses focus on something he is currently working on," said David Anderson further. Indirectly, children may bring things that they cannot achieve in their play, into everyday life. This includes how to behave and communicate with others.

This is also confirmed by the results of a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). According to Adam Leventhal, Ph.D., as a psychology lecturer at the University of Southern California, children are big fans gadgetanything was twice as likely to develop ADHD later in life. Especially children who like to play games - I don't know games console, games on the computer, as well online game the one on the cellphone.

In fact, this is a vicious cycle

The effects of addiction to playgames is not only at risk for children without ADHD. The condition of children who have previously been diagnosed with ADHD can get worse, when they play videos oftengamesit's out of control.

Unlike their peers, ADHD in children will make them problematic with attention. They tend to find it difficult to focus on their own thoughts.

Compared to when studying in a class that only relies on the voice from the teacher, the mind of children with ADHD is much easier to focus when they are concentrating on winning a game. The reason is, the game also involves various special effects such as assistance from music, lighting, and visuals that look attractive.

This sensation will intensify when the child's efforts bear sweet fruit because he wins his favorite game. Conversely, losing in games can actually make children lose focus and take it out through actions with other people in the environment. This is usually because the child with ADHD still has to practice controlling their attention.

In fact, a study conducted by Douglas A. Gentile, Ph.D. in Singapore concluded that games with a high level of difficulty can make a child easy to act at will and difficult to concentrate.

Simply put, it can be said that all of these conditions are likened to a "vicious circle" which is interconnected with one another. ADHD is a risk experienced by normal children who are addicted to play video games, and children who have ADHD tend to be addicted to play video games.

How should parents behave?

Actually it is okay to let children play video games, because after all the motor, thinking, and emotional abilities of children will be trained. "However, of course doing anything excessively can bring bad effects that you don't expect," said dr. Eugene Arnold, child psychiatrist at Ohio State University, United States.

As a solution, put limits on children's playing habits video games. Don't hesitate to say, "You can play, but just for one hour, OK!"

Initially, it might be quite difficult to implement this, and sometimes even the children will appear not to accept the rules that you provide.

If this happens, try to give understanding to the child or invite him to discuss and make decisions together. At the very least, give him a break in between his busy playing days games and don't let this habit continue every day without stopping.