Gaming addictions are becoming increasingly common and to help provide a solution to the emerging epidemic, the NHS has opened the country’s first specialist clinic dedicated to helping children and young adults who are addicted to video games.
From today (October 8), GPs will be able to refer 13-25 year olds whose heavy use of computer games is affecting their mental health to receive treatment at the specialist clinic, which is a part of the Centre for Gaming and Internet Disorders.
Patients will be able to attend the clinic in person, or receive consultation online via Skype.
On the launch of the new service the Chief Executive of NHS England, Simon Stevens, said : “Health needs are constantly changing, which is why the NHS must never stand still.
“This new service is a response to an emerging problem, part of the increasing pressures that children and young people are exposed to these days.”
Staff at the clinic hosted by the Central and North West London Mental Health Trust will include therapists, psychologists, mental health nurses and psychiatrists.
The opening of the service comes just a few weeks after MPs called for the ban of loot boxes on games such as Fortnite and FIFA.