The Video Gamer 500: Performance-enhancing Drug Use and Internet Gaming Disorder among Adult Video Gamers

Background: Performance-enhancing drug (PED) use has been reported among various populations. Despite anecdotal reports of stimulant use among video gamers, only limited data is known regarding overall PED use. The objectives of this study were to determine: 1) prevalence of PED use and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) among adult gamers, and 2) if factors could place an individual at higher risk for IGD. Materials and methods: Between May-July 2019, adult gamers were recruited from 16 Internet discussion boards or social forums and three in-person video game tournaments. The Video Gamer 500 was a 40-item Internetbased survey assessing demographics, video gaming behaviors/patterns, PED use, psychiatric diagnoses, and IGD. The Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-SF) questionnaire screened for IGD. Results: A total of 526 respondents completed the survey with approximately 75% from the United States. Approximately two out of five gamers (42.6%) used a PED, averaging 1.2 PEDs. The most commonly reported PEDs were caffeine drinks (33.8%) and energy drinks (19.2%). Prescription drugs were used by 6.1% of gamers to enhance performance; 4.9% used a prescription stimulant. IGD criteria were met by 2.3% of gamers and associated factors included a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.0-12.5) or use of prescription PEDs (OR 5.5, 95% CI 1.3-23.1). Conclusion: PEDs are commonly used by video gamers. Factors associated with IGD include an ADHD diagnosis and prescription drug PED use.