Video Game Addicts NOT like Gamblers research shows

So exactly how much gaming is too much and when might it become a pathological addiction? That's a part of the problem when treating harmful video game behavior, new research has found.

Daniel King, from the University of Adelaide's psychology department says treatments would improve if a "standard" or normal definition of video game addiction was adopted.

Dr. King has reviewed worldwide research into harmful video game behavior and says there's no clear consensus on what constitutes pathological gaming. The concept of video game addiction has been around since the 1980s and much of the research into the problem borrows from studies on problem gambling and substance abuse which lead many to believe is a flawed method of approach

"Although there are some similarities, video gaming is not the same as gambling," Dr King said.

"Pathological video gaming has its own set of addictive components which can be distinct to internet gambling or other behaviors like online shopping and using social media."

"We need to better understand the unique elements of pathological video gaming."

Dr King said it was clear that people affected by pathological gaming could suffer serious consequences including damaged relationships, careers, sleep and health which is quite the norm for most any addiction. But he did say that the problem remained hard to treat as long as there was no standard definition of pathological video gaming.

"For most people, playing video games adds value and enjoyment to their lives and we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that it's okay to be 'healthily obsessed' with games," he said.

"But for those people who have a problem, we can do more to understand and treat them."

So how many here HAVE or have HAD an addiction to video games that caused trouble in your life?