Summarize:

Video game addiction (internet gaming disorder) is not a formal diagnosis, but it is starting to get more attention. If video games or your reactions to them are beginning to seep into your everyday life, you may be experiencing a video game addiction.  Addressing an addiction is important to maintain a healthy emotional life.  You may have a video game addiction if you:  become angry, violent, or depressed when you do not spend time playing video games  play in secret and lie to others about how much time you spend playing video games  notice that video games have taken over your interest in other hobbies, schoolwork, or your job  consider playing video games more important than spending time with other people in real life You should be in control of your emotions; they should not control you.  If you feel like your anger in response to video games has taken on a life of its own and you are no longer in control of it, then you should seek help with anger management.  You may want to see a therapist or take an anger management course.  It’s likely that your anger is not only in response to video games and is present (or will become present) in other areas of your life as well. You should seek help for anger management if your feelings of anger are causing you to feel violent towards others.  You may want to seek help in the following situations:  You think about harming yourself or others  You use physical violence (such as hitting) towards people or objects  The problem is chronic, happening over and over again  Anger towards the game seeps into other areas of your life You have a record of violent or aggressive behaviors at work or towards a loved one  You feel unfulfilled in your life
Diagnose a video game addiction. Stay in control of your emotions. Ask for help if your anger turns violent.