gaming disorders

The World Health Organization has officially declared video gaming a new mental health disorder. The announcement comes years after gaming was first considered a “Condition for Further Study” in the DSM-5.

The WHO now lists gaming as an “official” disorder in the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases, CNN reports.

The DSM-5 states that Internet Gaming Disorder is most common in male adolescents 12 to 20 years of age. But addiction to gaming is on the rise among the females and middle age population.

gaming disorders

An individual is diagnosed with the disorder if he or she meets 5 of the following criteria in one calendar year.

  • Preoccupation or obsession with Internet games, usually with multiple players
  • Social isolation, spending 8 or more hours gaming
  • Difficulty keeping a job
  • Withdrawal symptoms when not playing Internet games
  • Anger or hostility when gaming is restricted
  • Loss of interest in eating or drinking
  • Loss of interest in other life activities
  • Lying to others about his or her game usage
  • Using gaming to relieve anxiety or depression
  • Difficulty maintaining relationships or friendships

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