Studies often find that gaming disorder (GD)—when gaming causes serious problems in someone’s life—is linked to mental health difficulties. However, studies that follow people over time do not all agree on which problem comes first.
Some research suggests that GD may lead to more depression, anxiety, or social anxiety. For example, one study found that people whose gaming problems grew worse later reported more of these symptoms. But that study did not take into account whether those mental health problems were already present.
Other studies suggest that depression and GD can affect each other: depression may increase gaming problems, and gaming problems may increase depression. Because researchers have found different results, experts disagree about the best treatment. Some recommend directly addressing gaming habits, while others say it is important to treat mental health problems early.
Research also suggests that ADHD and anxiety may make a person more likely to develop GD. Treating these problems early might help prevent gaming from becoming harmful. A review of 34 studies found that depression, anxiety, social difficulties, behavior problems, or aggression may sometimes develop after GD, while ADHD may more often come before GD.
More recent studies that followed people over time and considered their earlier symptoms suggest that depression and anxiety may often predict later GD, rather than being caused by it. Overall, GD and mental health problems may be connected in different ways, and the order can vary from person to person.