Internet and gaming disorder
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Gaming disorder is a pattern of gaming in which a person cannot control it, puts it ahead of other interests and keeps going despite harm to sleep, school, work or relationships, usually for at least a year. WHO lists it in ICD-11. Most gamers do not have it, and it can be treated.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Preoccupation with gaming
- Withdrawal when not playing
- Loss of control over gaming time
- Loss of interest in other hobbies
How it is usually treated
- CBT for internet/gaming disorder
- Parent guidance for adolescents
- Digital detox protocols
- Motivational interviewing
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “My child plays games all day and night”
- “I cannot stop gaming even when I try”
- “He gets angry when we take the phone away”
- “Studies and sleep have suffered because of gaming”
People who live with internet and gaming disorder may also notice ADHD, depression or social anxiety. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Get help soon if a young person is refusing school, not sleeping or eating, or is very distressed. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112 if there is any thought of self-harm.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist asks about hours, effects on sleep, school or work, and mood, and checks for depression, anxiety, ADHD and social difficulties, which often lie underneath.
Treatment and support
- CBT and motivational interviewing
- Parent guidance on limits and communication, without harsh punishment
- Planned, gradual reduction of screen time
- Treating underlying anxiety, depression or ADHD
- Family therapy and replacing the activity with other interests
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists assess gaming alongside mood and attention, and work with young people and their parents. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist asks without judgement about what you use or do, how often, and how it affects health, work and family, and checks for mood or anxiety problems alongside.
Who is involved
A psychiatrist leads care with a clinical psychologist for therapy, and tells you if in-person or medically supervised care is safer.
Between sessions
Reviews track cravings, triggers and setbacks, and a setback is treated as part of recovery, not a failure.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Is gaming addiction real?
WHO includes gaming disorder in ICD-11. It is diagnosed only when control is lost and harm is clear, usually over about a year.
Does enjoying games mean addiction?
No. Gaming becomes a problem when it takes over and harms life.
How can parents help?
Stay calm, agree on limits together, keep talking and look for what gaming is helping the young person escape.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Dr. Vineet PaliFounder & COO, Psychiatrist
Dr. Samarth S ShettyPsychiatrist- Dr. Barkha ChikaraCo-Founder & Chief Medical Officer, Psychiatrist
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.