THE IMPACT OF ONLINE GAMES ON MENTAL HEALTH: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This study revisits Pathological Gambling Disorder in the digital age, exploring its psychosocial and neurobiological impacts, as well as its consequences for mental health. The main objective was to conduct a literature review on the evolution of the disorder, analyze the psychosocial factors involved, investigate the neurobiological bases associated with pathological gambling, and review updates on diagnosis and treatment, based on a systematic review. The results indicate that Gambling Disorder shares similarities with chemical dependencies, profoundly affecting behavior, social relationships, and brain functions. Changes in the brain, particularly in areas linked to impulse control and reward systems, make it difficult to regulate gambling behavior, suggesting that treatments targeting these regions may be effective. In addition, personality factors and social contexts also play an important role in the development of the disorder, making treatment more complex. Although psychological and pharmacological therapies show positive short-term results, maintaining these benefits is a challenge. The consequences of the disorder include financial, social and psychological damage, including debt, family conflicts, anxiety, depression and increased risk of suicide. Physically, the disorder compromises the individual's health due to neglect of personal care. The increasing inclusion of Gambling Disorder in clinical guidelines, together with the identification of comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety, reinforces the need for multidisciplinary treatment, in addition to prevention strategies and awareness of the risks of gambling behavior.