Study finds gaming addicts exhibit traits of Aspergers

A NEW study has found that computer game addicts exhibit some of the same personality traits as people diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome.

Researchers found that as players showed more signs of addiction they were increasingly characterised by personality traits that would normally be associated with Aspergers, a form of high-functioning autism.

The study found that gamers increasingly exhibited signs of neuroticism, introversion and a lack of agreeableness.

The researchers believe that these people are not classifiable as having Asperger's syndrome but share some of the same characteristics because they find it easier to empathise and socialise through computer systems than with people.

The study, conducted by Dr John Charlton of the University of Bolton and Ian Danforth of Whitman College, US, questioned 391 computer game players from around the world.

Its findings were revealed yesterday at the British Psychological Society annual conference, under way this week at the RDS in Ballsbridge.

The event, held in conjunction with the Psychological Society of Ireland, has attracted researchers and experts from Ireland and Britain to share ideas and assess new research.

The research supports the idea that people who are heavily involved in game-playing may be nearer to autistic spectrum disorders, Dr Charlton said.

"The thinking in the field is that there is a scale along which people, even those considered to be 'normal', can be placed upon.

"People such as engineers, mathematicians and computer scientists are nearer to the non-empathising, systemising, end of this spectrum, while people with Asperger's syndrome are even further along again."

Some 3 per cent of the gamers questioned showed symptoms of addiction which were not dissimilar to those observed in problem gamblers and other addicts.

Dr Charlton said centres to treat people for gaming problems have been set up in the US and in mainland Europe in recent years.

The research found that addicts suffered from withdrawal symptoms and relapses following attempts to abstain from gaming.

It also highlighted instances of conflict between addicts and others as a result of their habits, and that many people's lives were dominated by the need to take part in computer gaming.

Another study presented at the conference showed that people attempting to quit smoking can reduce their cravings by completing brief bouts of exercise.

The research suggested that all smokers could help calm cigarette cravings by taking regular brisk walks whenever they feel the urge to smoke.

All participants in the study were smokers experiencing withdrawal symptoms. The researchers monitored the intensity of their cravings after sitting, walking and running. It was found that cravings were reduced after a period of exercise.

However, the researchers suggest smokers experiencing withdrawal possibly react differently to a bout of exercise compared to non-smokers.

Filippe Scerbo, who conducted the study with colleagues from the universities of Toronto and Exeter, said that to maximise chances of success when trying to quit smoking it was necessary to ensure that smokers were psychologically ready to quit.

Provided people wish to stop smoking, bouts of exercise, from a brisk walk to a sprint, are a useful addition to their own anti-smoking regimes. "Additionally, going for a walk is free and has endless health benefits that extend well beyond its ability to help curb cravings."

The British Psychological Society conference continues until tomorrow.