Research shows that video games may cause depression, anxiety and other mood disorders

A study from Iowa State University shows that video game addiction may exist globally and that greater amounts of gaming may lead to lower social competence and greater impulsivity, the Billings Gazette reports

Researchers examined 3,034 students between grades 3 and 8 and discovered that approximately 9 percent of gamers were pathological players when compared to the standard for gambling addiction set forth by the American Psychiatric Association.

Furthermore, the study revealed that depression, anxiety, social phobias and lower school performance were associated with video game addiction. Experts define video game addiction as damage to functioning in areas of life that include school, social, family, occupational and psychological. However, this addiction is not recognized by the APA as a disease.

Family communication may help in motivating underachieving teens to abstain from playing video games and focus on healthier educational activities. Experts say that using video games as a reward afterchildren finish their homework can push them to do well in their studies.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 21 million Americans suffer from depression in a given year. Furthermore, depressive disorders often occur alongside anxiety disorders and substance abuse.