Hooray for behavioral disorders all getting a separate listing.

The World Health Organization is considering adding “Gaming Disorder” to the International Classification of Diseases. They’ve already made a beta draft available for perusal including the disorder. The primary deciding factors as to whether it will be included require proof of the following:

1) impaired control over gaming (e.g., onset, frequency, intensity, duration, termination, context)[/perfectpullquote] [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]2) increasing priority given to gaming to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities[/perfectpullquote] [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]3) continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.[/perfectpullquote]

As to whether it’s actually addictive is a hot button issue, however. On the one hand, classifying something as a single, separate disorder when it’s behavioral is difficult.

On the other hand, there are  people collapsing from playing for ridiculous periods of time; usually two days or more, most typically in Asian countries like China and South Korea, though they’re not the only ones.

It’s hard to guess at what is the right approach, and the debate has gone on for well over a decade. There’s likely not any easy answer.

Source: Business Insider

About Author

B. Simmons

Based out of Glendale California, Bryan is a GAMbIT’s resident gaming contributor. Specializing in PC and portable gaming, you can find Bryan on his 3DS playing Monster Hunter or at one of the various conventions throughout the state.

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