Leite, ÂngelaRodrigues-Maia, Berta2026-06-112026-06-112026-01-01408c9d95-9158-4e50-b029-cc4f9b2f1c04http://hdl.handle.net/10400.14/58082Objective: Gaming Disorder is characterized by persistent and recurrent gaming behavior that takes precedence over daily activities, whereas Hazardous Gaming refers to gaming patterns that increase the risk of mental and physical harm. This study aimed to adapt the Gaming Disorder and Hazardous Gaming Scale to Portuguese, based on ICD-11 criteria, and to examine its psychometric properties. Method: In Study 1, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to examine the scale's factorial structure and to test measurement invariance across sex, educational level, age, and gaming duration. Study 2 assessed associations between gaming-related problems and psychological symptoms using the Brief Symptom Inventory. Results: The scale demonstrated robust psychometric properties and evidence of measurement invariance across the examined groups. Greater gaming duration and older age were associated with higher disorder scores. Between 7% and 18% of participants reported gaming-related functional impairments. The association between somatization symptoms and gaming disorder/hazardous gaming was moderated by sex, with stronger effects observed in men. Conclusion: The Portuguese version of the scale represents a valid and reliable instrument for assessing gaming-related problems, supporting its use in both research and clinical settings.engICD-11 criteriaGaming disorderGDHGSHazardous gamingresearch article10.5944/rppc.45170105040333905