An ad hoc symposium.
Earlier this week, a post at Psychology Today—“Computer, Video Games and Psychosis: Cause for Concern"—by child psychiatrist Victoria-Dunckley stirred up a bit of social media traffic with her contention that an excess exposure to video screens is responsible for the spread of hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms in our nation’s young. She is not calling this behavior an addiction as such, but maintains that it only happens in cases where 15-22-year olds, were “plugged in” for six or more hours each day.
Her theory: “Electronic screens, particularly interactive ones (as opposed to passive ones, like television), increase dopamine in the reward center of the brain. Dopamine is known as the brain's 'feel good' chemical, but is also related to stress, addiction, anxiety, mood, and attention. Dopamine in excess can lead to psychotic symptoms--voices, delusions, paranoia, or confusion.”
So there you have it. I have asked a number of well-respected neuroscientists and psychologists and brain experts to comment on this assertion. All other contributions are welcome as well.
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