Dr Vishal Akula highlights mental health risks of online gaming, betting

Kanyakumari: Dr Vishal Akula, Professor and Head of Psychiatry at Government Medical College, Nizamabad, Telangana, delivered a talk on online gaming disorders, betting-related problems and smartphone addiction at the annual conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS), South Zone Branch, held in Kanyakumari.

Dr Akula highlighted the mental health risks associated with excessive gaming, online gambling and problematic social media use. He said these behaviours could contribute to depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances and emotional distress, with severe cases potentially involving suicidal thoughts and behaviours. He stressed the importance of early identification, timely intervention and comprehensive treatment, including addressing co-existing psychiatric conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and sleep disorders. Individualised care and regular follow-up, he noted, were essential for recovery and relapse prevention.

The organisers felicitated Dr Akula for his participation. He thanked Organising Chairman Dr R Prakash, Organising Secretary Dr Panneer Selvan and the organising team for the invitation. The conference brought together psychiatrists and mental health professionals to discuss emerging challenges and advances in psychiatric care.

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