Gaming disorder is soon to be classified as a mental health condition for the very first time.
The International Classification of Diseases is a diagnostic manual that’s published by the World Health Organisation. It was last updated 27 years ago, in 1990.
The eleventh edition of the manual is due to be published in 2018, and will include gaming disorder as a serious health condition to be monitored.
The wording of the gaming disorder hasn’t been revealed yet. However, as the New Scientist reports, the draft outlines the criteria needed to determine whether someone can be classed as having a gaming disorder.
Vladimir Poznyak, a member of the WHO’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, spoke about the importance of recognising gaming disorder as an important issue.
“Health professionals need to recognise that gaming disorder may have serious health consequences,” he said.
“Most people who play video games don’t have a disorder, just like most people who drink alcohol don’t have a disorder either. However, in certain circumstances overuse can lead to adverse effects.”
