Few aspects of establishment and development of cybernetic ludomania (compulsive gambling) and its effect on psychological and physiological conditions

Since 2005, the term Cybernetic Ludomania (Compulsive Gambling) has been used to define computer gaming addiction in global medical practice. It is defined as psychological addiction developed due to an obsessive fascination with computer games. The results of various studies insist on determining the diagnosis officially and creating a diagnostic base, subsequent treatments, psycho-correction programs, etc. Scientists at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences led by Professor Douglas A. Gentile examined 1200 persons and found that one out of every ten computer gamers was a cyber ludoman (addict) [1]. Other studies have shown the spread of cybernetic ludomania reaches 8.5 % of 8-18 year old gamers in the USA [2], and 10 % of 11-14 year old gamers in Germany [3]. The percent of cybernetic ludomans of 8-14 year old gamers varies from 7.6 % to 9.9 % within the examined group of 3000 [4]. A team of psychologists from the University of Rochester led by D. Bavelier summed up the intermediate results and revealed that 1 of 5 people are cybernetic ludomans [5].