Sociodemographic, Clinical, and Psychological Characteristics of Adults with Gaming Disorder: A Nationwide Study from Türkiye

Internet gaming disorder, recognized in the 11th version of the International Classification of Diseases alongside gambling disorder, is characterized by excessive gaming salience, impaired control, and functional impairment. With increasing prevalence worldwide and in Türkiye, identifying the sociodemographic and psychological features of adults with internet gaming disorder is crucial for prevention and intervention. This retrospective study analyzed data from 250 adults (18–66 years) seeking treatment at Green Crescent Counseling Centers in Türkiye between 2020 and 2024. Validated measures included the Sociodemographic and Clinical Information Form, Internet Gaming Disorder Scale–Short Form, Addiction Profile Index Clinical Form, and Internet Addiction Short Form. Analyses comprised descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, Mann–Whitney U-test, and logistic regression. Results showed that most participants were male (91.2%), mean age 24.2; 89.2% were single, and 68% were 18–24 years. Mean onset of gaming was 12.6 years, with problematic patterns at 17. Strategy (46%) and war games (43.2%) predominated. Overall, 23.2% scored high risk (Internet Gaming Disorder Scale–Short Form ≥36), with higher depression, anxiety, sensation-seeking, and lower assertiveness (p < .05). Predictors of high risk included male gender, marital status, primary gaming use, higher anxiety, sensation-seeking, and lack of assertiveness. Findings indicate internet gaming disorder is prevalent among Turkish adults, paralleling youth trends, and underscore the need for targeted prevention and integrated treatment approaches.