Introduction

In GD and IGD, both at the preclinical level of problem game and at the clinical level of pathological game, altered states of consciousness are observed during the game and shortly before. In the scientific literature, they are called flow-state, dark flow, game trance. During these states, the person loses touch with reality, the real life situation completely detached from life’s problems and concerns, and associated emotional experiences and is transformed into the space of the game. Self-identification is disrupted, as a result of which the player identifies with the game character, the avatar-hero of the game, or with the network character. In addition, the perception of time and memory of events during the game is disrupted. These states themselves become very desirable and attractive to players and contribute to the emergence of a pathological desire to constantly participate in the game in order to repeat an unusual experience.

Method

The review was based on three literature researches on GD and IGD: 1) the features of the phenomenon of flow state (flow experience, dark flow) in addicted players; 2) сognitive signs and neurotological correlates of changes in self-perception, self-concept, and avatar self-identity in game addictions; 3) the relationship of flow states to the severity of addiction and comorbid psychopathology in GD and IGD. We selected and analysed 13 studies for our review after an extensive search of academic databases and following an exclusion process. Seven studies have investigated changes in self-perception, self-identity, and perception of the surrounding reality in IGD. Six were neurocognitive and based on fMRI neuroimaging techniques, and one was a systematic review of 18 differently designed studies of changes in self-perception and self-identity in IGD. Six other studies based on test questionnaires were designed to determine the relationship between the severity of altered states of consciousness (ASC) and the severity of addiction and comorbid psychopathology in GD. In addition, we took into account clinical observational data based on self-reports from patients with GD and IGD.

Conclusion

As a result of our clinical observations and a review of scientific research have concluded that altered states of consciousness during gambling and internet video games contribute to addiction, negative psychosocial consequences, and comorbid psychopathology. The game industry induces such states by using specific of various psycho-technical methods. For example, the methods of close wins or losses disguised as winnings while gambling on a slot machine. For this purpose, the design of games is constantly being improved, various sound and visual effects invented, etc.

Keywords: behavioural addictions, altered states of consciousness, gambling disorder, internet gaming disorder.

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Author Bio

Dr. Tetiana Zinchenko, Ph.D., psychotherapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, rehabilitologist, President of the International Association for the Study of Game Addictions (IASGA), Switzerland, from October 2019 to the present.

Dr. Tetiana is a practicing clinician with twenty years of experience in the field of mental health. Of these, 5 years in the field of forensic psychiatry in specialized psychiatric clinics, 15 years in the field of psychological counselling and psychotherapy of anxiety disorders, depression and suicidal behaviour, 10 years in the field of neurorehabilitation. Over the past five years, she has been specializing in group, family and individual psychotherapy and rehabilitation of people with various behavioural addictions. Currently works as a psychotherapist in private practice.

Her main research interests are the study of the influence of information technologies on consciousness, the brain and the development of human personality, as well as the study of ontology, the nature and functioning of human consciousness. Therefore, her research focused on information behavioural addictions, such as gambling addiction, Internet gaming disorder, problematic use of the Internet, social networks, etc.

E-mail: tatjanazinchenko@gmail.com