NHS to open computer gaming addiction programme

Children and young adults who are seriously addicted to computer games will now be able to get help on the NHS after the launch of country’s first specialist clinic.

Part of the National Centre for Behavioural Addictions, which will also provide support for internet addiction, the service is located alongside the National Problem Gambling Clinic and is part of an expansion of treatments promised in the NHS Long Term Plan, with referrals for both young people’s services starting in this month.

It’s opening comes amid growing concerns about the amount of time children and teenagers spend playing online games and the impact it can have on their mental health. The World Health Organization recently classified gaming disorder as a mental health condition for the first time, with the health body defining gaming disorder as a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behaviour so severe that it takes ‘precedence over other life interests’.

Psychiatrists and clinical psychologists will now work with patients aged between 13-25 whose lives are being wrecked by severe or complex behavioural issues associated with gaming, gambling and social media.

Simon Stevens, NHS England chief executive, said: “Health needs are constantly changing which is why the NHS must never stand still – this new service is a response to an emerging problem, part of the increasing pressures that children and young people are exposed to these days.

“However, the NHS should not be left to pick up the pieces – gambling and internet firms have a responsibility to their users as well as their shareholders and should do their utmost to prevent rather than cash in on obsessive or harmful behaviour.”

Claire Murdoch, NHS national mental health director added: “Compulsive gaming and social media and internet addiction is a problem that is not going to go away when they play such a key part in modern life. The NHS is rising to the challenge – as it always does – with these new, innovative services, but we can’t be expected to pick up the pieces, which is why tech giants need to recognise the impact that products which encourage repeated and persistent use have on young people and start taking their responsibilities seriously too.”