Overview of management of gaming concerns
Principles of care guide management of gaming concerns. Establishing a therapeutic relationship that engages the person (and ideally those close to them) is central to the management of addictive behaviours.
Note: The most important element of treatment for addictive behaviours is a therapeutic relationship.
Management options include:
- brief advice for concerned family or friends
- brief intervention for the person who is gaming
- referral to a support service, or specialist for psychological or psychiatric treatment if available
- long-term care to maintain the therapeutic relationship with the patient and those close to them.
Considerations for specific populations may be relevant in managing gaming, particularly considerations and specific resources for supporting young people.