Background: Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a global psychological issue that can bring notable suffering and damage to gamers' physical and mental wellness. It describes a type of addiction that uncontrolled playing of video games entails a loss of control over the habit that gives rise to social, physical, and psychological challenges. This study aimed to improve the effectiveness of the prevention programs against this great problem and early intervention for this major public health problem.

Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional investigation included 627 medical students recruited randomly from lectures or rounds and interviewed for assessment. All participants were subjected to semi-structured psychiatric interviews and internet gaming disorder 9-Item Short Scale.

Results: Gaming addiction is significantly associated with uncontrollable internet use, affection of study hours, presence and higher frequency of distraction in attention, decrease in academic grades, and poorer grades.

Conclusion: The findings reveal alarming rates of excessive internet use and gaming addiction; this behavioral addiction is intricately linked to disruptions in study habits, attention-related challenges, adverse academic outcomes, and elevated levels of depression, stress, and anxiety