Gaming disorder: prevalence in a representative sample of Polish gamers
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Uniwersytet Warszawski, Wydział Psychologii
Submission date: 2025-03-10
Final revision date: 2025-06-14
Acceptance date: 2025-07-08
Online publication date: 2026-08-30
Publication date: 2026-08-30
Psychiatr Pol 2026;60(4):611-624
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ABSTRACT
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of gaming disorder (GD) according to ICD-11 diagnostic criteria in a representative sample of Polish gamers.
Methods:
This epidemiological study included responses from 2,738 gamers recruited through an external research panel. A survey of available data describing Polish gamers was conducted to ensure that the study group constituted a representative sample. Prevalence was determined using a set of self-report questionnaires.
Results:
The prevalence of GD in the representative sample of Polish gamers was 2.9% (n = 80). However, using a conservative calculation approach, a potential GD diagnosis could be attributed to 0.6% (n = 16) of participants. The study also developed a basic sociodemographic profile of Polish gamers, identifying variables associated with GD, such as age.
Conclusions:
Gaming disorder affects a percentage of Polish gamers, which echoes findings from studies in other European countries. This is the first attempt to estimate the prevalence of GD in a representative sample of Polish gamers. The results highlight the need for further research, particularly among children and adolescents.