when gaming becomes an addiction

Gaming addiction is to be officially classified as a disease by the World Health Organization

The World Health Organization just announced that the 11th edition of its International Classification of Diseases will include a “Gaming disorder” defined by the three following symptoms (present for a year at least):

Gaming behavior takes precedence over other activities, to the extent that other activities become peripheral.

The control over these behaviors is impaired, and they continue, or even escalate, as their negative consequences occur.

The condition leads to significant distress and impairment in personal, family, social, educational or occupational functioning.

Gaming will thus become (after gambling) the second offcially recognized non-substance addictive disorder.

It should be noted, however, that not all psychiatrists agree with the new diagnosis, many pointing out that behaviors such as gaming can be a coping mechanism for individuals with an underlying “true” condition, such as Major Depression.

Sources: WHO 2018