The World Health Organization has now officially voted to include “Gaming Disorder” to its list of recognised illness, following its proposed inclusion back in June last year.
The move, which has drawn criticism from some corners, came during the 72nd World Health Assembly. The addition of Gaming Disorder marks the 11th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11).
According to WHO’s ICD-11 Gaming Disorder is described as “A pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behavior (‘digital gaming’ or ‘video-gaming’), which may be online (i.e., over the internet) or offline.”
It goes on to specify that the disorder may manifest itself through “impaired control over gaming”, increasingly putting video games ahead of other “life interests and activities”, and continuing to put in long play sessions despite obvious negative consequences in matters of “personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning.”
In order to be diagnosed with the disorder, the patient would have to exhibit the above behaviour for a minimum of 12 months – though if “symptoms are severe”, a diagnosis could be reached quicker.
In light of WHO’s decision, various Entertainment Associations from across the globe, including the US, Canada, South Korea, Australia, and the UK have come together to criticise the move and implore that it consider more reviews and independent experts.
