Online gaming reduces psychological distress in a patient with schizophrenia: A case report.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Schizophrenia often involves persecutory delusions, which cause psychological distress. Some patients use online gaming as a coping tool. However, excessive online gaming has raised concerns about internet gaming disorders (IGD), while any soothing effects of online gaming on psychological distress remain unclear. Herein, we report changes in anxiety and IGD severity, measured using rating scales, in a patient with schizophrenia who used online gaming as a coping strategy for psychological distress.

Case presentation

A 43-year-old woman diagnosed with schizophrenia had worsening persecutory delusions, including that of being targeted by snipers, and had difficulty going out because of anxiety. She coped with her psychological distress using online shooting games.

SUBMITTER: Sakamoto K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11417111 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature