Resolving normality–disorder boundary issues in gaming research

Journal of Behavioral Addictions

Abstract

This commentary responds to the views of King and colleagues (King, Billieux, Behm, & Delfabbro, 2025) on boundaries between normal and disordered gaming. Drawing on clinical experience with adolescents and families in treatment for problematic gaming, we argue for multidimensional assessment that embeds diagnosis within relational and contextual understanding. Overreliance on time spent gaming or self-report tools obscures functional impairment and family dynamics. Evidence from systemic therapy (STANDUP) indicates that improved family communication reduces gaming-related conflict without necessarily reducing gaming time. We propose viewing diagnosis as a collaborative working hypothesis, fostering dialogue rather than division between clinicians, families, and researchers.

Authors 1

1. Henk Rigter Aachen Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

   Leiden University · Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands