Compulsive video gaming declared as an addictive behavior disorder by WHO

In the 11th edition of its International Classification of Diseases(ICD),WHO has announced Gaming Disorder as a ne Mental Health Condition.

The agency says that  compulsively playing video games now qualifies as a mental health condition, specifically an addictive behaviour disorder.

The statement released on Monday backed up the fears of some parents but led critics to warn that it may risk stigmatizing too many young video players.

In its latest revision to an international disease classification manual, the UN health agency said that classifying "gaming disorder" as a separate addiction will help governments, families and health-care workers be more vigilant and prepared to identify the risks.

WHO and other experts were quick to note that cases of the condition are still very rare, with no more than three per cent of all gamers believed to be affected.

In a definition for gaming disorder released earlier in the year, WHO said those affected would show a pattern of behavior characterized by "impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences."

The agency also said the behavior would have to significantly impair normal functioning to meet the criteria for gaming disorder, and would normally have been going on for at least 12 months.

Dr. Shekhar Saxena, director of WHO's department for mental health and substance abuse, said the agency accepted the proposal that gaming disorder should be listed as a new problem based on scientific evidence, in addition to "the need and the demand for treatment in many parts of the world."

Dr. Joan Harvey, a spokesperson for the British Psychological Society, warned the new designation might cause unnecessary concern among parents.

She said, "People need to understand this doesn't mean every child who spends hours in their room playing games is an addict, otherwise medics are going to be flooded with requests for help.”

Saxena said parents and friends of video game enthusiasts should still be mindful of a potentially harmful problem.

Noting that concerns should be raised if the gaming habit appears to be taking over, he advised, He advised, "Be on the lookout.”

Dr. Vladimir Poznyak, a member of WHO said that the expectation is that the classification of gaming disorder means health professionals and systems will be more "alerted to the existence of this condition" while boosting the possibility that "people who suffer from these conditions can get appropriate help."

WHO hopes that inclusion of gaming disorder in the classification will stimulate debate as well as further research and international collaboration, Poznyak said.

-