Internet Gaming Disorder - Ayurvedic Perspective

Abstract

Internet gaming is the most entertaining activity of current generation, especially of the young adolescents. Gaming provides, a sense of accomplishment through a virtual reality platform and finally, intense degree of fun. Anyhow Spending too much time and avoiding all necessary activities for gaming leads to Internet gaming addiction. Due to the negative consequences in the behavioral and cognitive components and the alteration in reward and anti-reward system it is considered as a disorder in DSM 5 and ICD 11. Symptoms include anxiety, depression, preoccupied thoughts, irritability, playing games to feel better, insomnia, feeling of emptiness, inability to control the gaming, restlessness, fantasies and dreams about the game. In this review, the concept of gaming disorder in Ayurveda is concentrated in the light of Manovikaras/ Manasika Bhava, Prajnaparadha and Asathmya Indriyartha Samyoga. Management approaches are discussed in preventive and curative aspects. Management can also be done by assessing the dosha predominance and severity in each stage.