Many players spend a lot of time on video games, sometimes to the extent that they don’t even realize how long they’ve been playing until the sun comes up. While on many occasions this can be seen as a one-off occasion and one that is used across many a meme, sometimes this type of behavior can be a real problem. The World Health Organization recently updated the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems including gaming addiction as an officially recognized disorder.

The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems constitutes the foundation upon which health professionals can identify diseases, disorders, and various other health issues. The 11th revision of the ICD was voted upon on May 25th, and is set to go into effect on January 1st, 2022. The entry for gaming addiction is described as a pattern of self-destructive or obsessive behavior in relation to games whether they’re offline or online.

Gaming disorder is characterized by a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behaviour [sic] (‘digital gaming’ or ‘video-gaming’), which may be online (i.e., over the internet) or offline, manifested by:

1. impaired control over gaming (e.g., onset, frequency, intensity, duration, termination, context);
2. increasing priority given to gaming to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities; and
3. continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences. The behaviour pattern is of sufficient severity to result in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning.

The pattern of gaming behaviour may be continuous or episodic and recurrent. The gaming behaviour and other features are normally evident over a period of at least 12 months in order for a diagnosis to be assigned, although the required duration may be shortened if all diagnostic requirements are met and symptoms are severe

What do you think about the latest revision to the ICD? Let us know your thoughts on the World Health Organization’s entry on gaming addiction and more in the comments section below. As always don’t forget to follow Don’t Feed the Gamers on Twitter for 24/7 coverage of all things gaming and entertainment.

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