When ADHD and Gaming Addiction Collide: Signs Your Teen May Be Struggling

We understand how challenging it can be for families when a teenager’s gaming habits begin to affect their well-being. While video games can offer fun, social connection, and even cognitive benefits — like improved problem-solving skills, faster reaction times, and persistence in the face of adversity — for some teens, especially those with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), gaming can become excessive and harmful. Teens with ADHD may be particularly drawn to the fast-paced, highly stimulating nature of games, using them as an escape from frustration or boredom. However, this can quickly spiral into a cycle where gaming interferes with school, relationships, and emotional health, making it crucial to address both the ADHD symptoms and gaming patterns together.

What Is Teen Gaming Addiction?

Gaming addiction is a condition recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO), defined by compulsive and persistent gaming behaviour that interferes with daily life. This goes beyond just “playing a lot” — it involves:

• Impaired control over gaming

• Increasing priority given to gaming over other activities

• Continuing to play despite clear negative consequences

  
  

ADHD and Gaming

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and gaming addiction frequently co-occur, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Research shows that individuals with ADHD are more susceptible to developing problematic gaming behaviours, and conversely, those with gaming addiction often show higher rates of ADHD symptoms.

A study published in PLOS ONE found that among university students, 6.5% of those with ADHD met the criteria for Gaming Disorder (GD), compared to 3.7% in the non-ADHD group. Additionally, 35.7% of individuals with GD exhibited ADHD symptoms, highlighting a significant overlap.

The underlying connection may involve shared features such as impulsivity and difficulties with self-regulation. Gaming provides immediate rewards and stimulation, which can be particularly appealing to individuals with ADHD. The immersive nature of games may also serve as a coping mechanism for managing ADHD-related challenges.

Signs Your Teen May Be Struggling

Parents and caregivers should watch for these warning signs:

• Difficulty cutting back or stopping gaming

• Withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, or restlessness when not playing

• Skipping schoolwork, chores, or social activities to game

• Significant changes in mood or behaviour

• Decline in physical health due to poor sleep, lack of exercise, or poor eating habits

  
  

A Brief Clinical Insight

Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to addictive patterns because their brains are still developing — especially the areas that regulate impulse control and decision-making. Many modern games use variable reward schedules, social reinforcements, and in-game achievements to reinforce compulsive use.

Furthermore, gaming addiction often co-occurs with conditions such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD. This means careful clinical assessment is essential to address not just the gaming behaviour but also any underlying psychological challenges.

Behavioural Addiction

A perspective from Recovery Programme Manager, Rob Sewell:

"As someone in recovery, I’ve learned that addiction—whether it's to gaming, drugs, alcohol, or other behaviours—isn’t the problem itself but a symptom of something deeper. It’s often an attempt to escape emotional pain, unprocessed trauma, or neurodiverse challenges like ADHD. What makes gaming addiction especially complex is that it’s easier to hide and harder to admit—there’s no physical hangover or obvious fallout, but the emotional, psychological, and social damage can be just as profound. And simply stopping doesn’t solve the problem. Without treating the root cause, people often turn to other addictions—alcohol, drugs, or gambling—as a substitute. That’s why abstinence alone isn’t recovery. True healing only comes when we face the underlying issues head-on and learn to live life without needing to escape it."

Recent Case Studies and Lawsuits

Recent developments have brought increased attention to this issue. In March 2025, a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles, California, saw the family of a 13-year-old sue Roblox Corporation, Epic Games, Microsoft, and Mojang. The family alleged that these companies intentionally designed features and psychological tactics to maximise engagement, making their games addictive to minors and causing severe harm.

Internationally, concerning incidents are also on the rise. For example, in Tirunelveli, India, a 16-year-old boy addicted to PUBG (PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds) and Free Fire for six months exhibited severe behavioural changes and mental distress — a tragic reminder of how serious gaming addiction can become.

These cases highlight growing concerns that some aspects of the gaming industry are deliberately designed to foster compulsive, mentally distressing behaviours, particularly among young players.