It's official! 'Gaming disorder' is a WHO-recognized disease
Your inability to ditch PUBG, Fortnite, CoD or any other title could actually be a 'gaming disorder'! Yes, the World Health Organization (WHO), which is the public health division of the United Nations, has recognized 'gaming disorder' as an official disease. It ties to the problem of addiction, which has grown phenomenally over the last few years. Here's everything you need to know.
11th revision to International Statistical Classification of Diseases
Over the weekend, the WHO adopted the 11th revision of its International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, adding gaming disorder into the list of modern diseases. The move was approved by all 194 members of the organization at the 72nd World Health Assembly, despite the previous backlash from trade bodies citing contradictory research on the topic.
What is gaming disorder as per WHO
In WHO's book, gaming disorder rests in the category of "Disorders due to substance use or addictive behaviors." It's been described as a behavioral pattern "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."
Occupational and other functioning areas could be affected for months
"For gaming disorder to be diagnosed," WHO had said, "the behavior pattern must be of 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."
Revision to go into effect in 2022
The latest update for ICD - with the inclusion of gaming disorder - will go into effect on January 1, 2022. Considering the opposition from several gaming advocates and trade bodies, WHO has emphasized that it came to this decision after conducting a thorough review of evidence related to the matter. Plus, they took consultations from experts from a variety of fields and disciplines.
