It’s official – gaming is a recognised mental health disorder. At least so says the World Health Organisation (WHO) who announced in June this year that Gaming Disorder would be included in its next edition of the ICD (the International Classification of Diseases). The ICD-11 will include gaming disorder as an addiction and in the same category as drug abuse and gambling disorder. But what exactly is gaming disorder and how can it be distinguished from a harmless form of leisure?
The WHO has defined gaming disorder as a pattern of gaming behaviour where ‘increasing priority is given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities’. The behaviour pattern ‘must be of a sufficient severity to result in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning and would normally have been evident for at least 12 months’.
Some of the behaviour which may indicate that someone is suffering from gaming disorder includes:
These types of behaviour can impact on both physical and mental health. Some can ‘forget’ to eat, withdraw from relationships, find themselves in conflict with other family members, or it can cause a decline in performance at work or at school.
The classification of gaming disorder as an officially recognised mental health disorder has however caused some controversy in both gaming and mental health circles. Some have pointed out that if gaming disorder is a mental health condition, then why not give the same classification to other activities centred around screens, such as mobile phone usage, internet addiction or social media addiction – in effect creating a ‘screen disorder’ classification.
Others are of the view that the classification of gaming disorder has come as the result of political pressure from some countries, particularly in East Asia, where ‘internet de-addiction camps’ and bans on under 16s partaking in gaming after midnight are in place.
Many argue that excessive gaming activity may just be an indication of some other underlying mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, and emphasise that it is important for mental health professionals not to be distracted and end up only treating the gaming habit and not the underlying condition causing the addiction.
It is thought that only a small percentage of the population may be suffering from gaming disorder – in the region of 0.3% to 1% of the worldwide population. Nevertheless, the effects of this addiction, as with any addiction can be devastating for the sufferer and for their loved ones.
Gaming disorder is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a pattern of gaming behaviour that significantly interferes with daily life. It involves prioritising gaming over other activities to the extent that it causes personal, social, educational, or occupational impairment and persists for at least 12 months.
Warning signs include changes in sleeping or eating patterns, neglect of hygiene, withdrawal from relationships, and a decline in performance at school or work. The behaviour must be persistent and cause significant disruption to daily functioning.
No. Many people enjoy gaming as a hobby without negative consequences. Gaming disorder only applies when gaming starts to dominate a person’s life, interferes with responsibilities, and causes harm to their well-being.
Some experts argue that excessive gaming might be a symptom of deeper issues like depression or anxiety. Others believe the diagnosis may be politically motivated, particularly in countries where gaming restrictions are already in place.
Estimates suggest that gaming disorder affects only a small percentage of people who play video games. However, it can have a serious impact on those affected and often requires professional intervention.
