An English psychologist has announced plans to start treating video game addicts within the fantasy worlds of the games they play.

Richard Graham of the Tavistock Clinic, London, believes many addicted gamers do not realise they have a problem, and would benefit the most from someone who understands the game.

The game World of Warcraft has been labelled the most addictive game on the market for its goal-based online game play, and with 8.5% of adolescents potentially computer game addicts, the innovative project could be just what’s needed.

The psychologist plans to target addicts who don’t understand how much time they are spending in the game. “It is this group who would benefit from someone… who can non-judgementally point out how much time they are spending in the game, and therein how much time they are not doing something that helps them acquire skills, knowledge or friends in the external world,” he said.

Graham however highlighted that video games are not the only addiction facing young people. “I think it’s possible for people to be addicted to anything, not just video games,” he said. “Whether video games are a cause or an effect, I’m not sure.”

Graham’s plans come after a US retreat for computer addicts opened last month, treating patients in a similar way to drug and alcohol addicts.

Writer Tristan Boyd, Editor Dr Ramesh Manocha.