Most people, Shumney says, don't seek treatment for any kind until they have lost homes, relationships, jobs and significant amounts of money.
Because Internet addiction is so new and this subset is even newer, many mental health and financial professionals are not yet sufficiently aware of symptoms and potential treatment, Shumney says.
Nevertheless, she shares some warning signs of online game addiction.
- Preoccupation with online activities as a dominant part of daily activity.
- Withdrawal symptoms such as irritation and depression when not playing.
- An inability to stay away or stop playing, even if they feel they are trying.
- Suffering unwanted consequences, such as losing money or a job, but continuing to play.
- A loss of interest in other things that once were interesting or inviting such as hobbies or communicating with friends.
- A tendency to lie about the online activity or to try to hide it.