COVID‑19 and the risk of gaming disorder: a reflection in the situation of regular epidemic prevention and control

ABSTRACT

【Abstract】 After the epidemic of COVID‑19 has been basically under control interiorly, China is under the situation of regular epidemic prevention and control. Hence a reflection on the problems about the risk of gaming disorder in the epidemic period can be helpful to mental health professionals who prevent and control gaming disorder. The authors clarified the improper publicity of the gaming industry and false media report, and also reviewed the trend of game using was rapidly rising and game market was rapidly expanding. Consequently, as the author addressed, the health risks due to excessive gaming patterns were increasing. This review also pointed out and analyzed some new trend of the expansion of female game users during the epidemic, and the further in-depth integration of games and gambling. Finally, some advice was provided to the mental health workers to cope with the increasing risk of gaming disorder during a post-epidemic era. © Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2021.