The relationship between family dysfunction and gaming disorder prevalence among adolescent and young adult outpatients in Japan: A longitudinal study.

Background: Although family-related factors are associated with gaming disorder in youths, there are few studies exploring its long-term effects. The aim of this study is to investigate changes in gaming disorder prevalence among adolescent and young adult outpatients relative to their state of family dysfunction. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted among outpatients (age: 9-29) who have problem game-use. The state of family dysfunction (Family APGAR), and gaming disorder prevalence (Gaming Disorder Scale for Adolescents) were assessed at baseline, with gaming disorder being assessed again at the 6-month follow-up. Mean Family APGAR scores were compared between those who improved their gaming disorder condition from baseline to follow-up, and those who didn't. This study was approved by the IRB in Tokyo Medical Dental University. Results: 57 participants who responded to both baseline and follow-up survey were eligible for analysis. Mean Family APGAR score was 5.9 at baseline, with a lower score indicating greater family dysfunction. Among the respondents who met the criterion for gaming disorder at baseline, those who didn't meet the criterion at follow-up averaged a Family APGAR score of 7.5 at baseline. On the other hand, respondents who continued to meet the criterion for gaming disorder from baseline to followup averaged a Family APGAR score of 5.0. Conclusion: There tended to be less average family dysfunction at baseline in participants who improved their gaming disorder condition over six months, compared to those who didn't. Further studies are needed to investigate the role family function plays in gaming disorder recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]