Standard diagnostic tools miss gaming disorder in female players study finds

Traditional diagnostic tools frequently overlook gaming disorder in female players, News-Medical reported. Researchers at the University of Geneva conducted a study examining why female gamers remain under the radar of healthcare providers. Symptoms of gaming disorder include playing increasingly more, struggling to cut back, and continuing to game despite negative impacts on daily life. [1]

The study revealed that female participants tended to favor immersive games over competitive ones, News-Medical said. Women were also less likely to identify with the traditional image of a video gamer. These unique behavioral patterns contribute to female players being missed by standard screening methods. [1]

Addiction is understood as a neuropsychological disorder marked by a persistent urge to engage in a behavior that provides an immediate psychological reward despite harm. Repeated behavioral engagement produces long-lasting changes in brain networks involved in reward, executive function, and mood. [2]

The findings were published in the journal European Psychiatry, according to News-Medical. Researchers hope these insights will help inform more tailored diagnostic approaches and support strategies for female players in the future. [1]