Most Compulsive Gamers Are Not Addicts

25 Nov 2008 at 13:24:40 by Andy Alderson

The founder and head of Europe's only gaming clinic believes 90% of compulsive gamers should not be treated for addiction.

Keith Bakker, head of the Smith and Jones Centre in Amsterdam, told the BBC he believes that, for the vast majority of compulsive gamers, the problem is social rather than psychological.

"These kids come in showing some kind of symptoms that are similar to other addictions and chemical dependencies," said Bakker.

"But the more we work with these kids the less I believe we can call this addiction. What many of these kids need is their parents and their school teachers - this is a social problem."

The clinic has adjusted its treatment program accordingly to focus on social and communication skills.

"This gaming problem is a result of the society we live in today," Bakker continued.

"Eighty per cent of the young people we see have been bullied at school and feel isolated. Many of the symptoms they have can be solved by going back to good old fashioned communication."

The Smith and Jones Centre opened in 2006 and has since treated hundreds of young gamers.  

Look out for our interview with psychologist Dr Guy Cumberbatch later this week.

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