World Health Organization To Classify Gaming Addiction As A Mental Health Disorder
Games beware: playing too many video games could officially be classified as a mental health issue. The World Health Organization will add “gaming disorder” to the 11th update of the International Classification of Diseases next year, USA Today reports.
According to a beta draft from the WHO, the disorder is qualified as a “pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behavior” either online or offline, that basically takes over a gamer’s “life interests and daily activities,” despite possible consequences.
“The gaming behavior and other features are normally evident over a period of at least 12 months in order for a diagnosis to be assigned, although the required duration may be shortened if all diagnostic requirements are met and symptoms are severe,” the draft states.
Gaming has grown into a $100 billion global industry, with nearly half of the revenue coming from mobile games.
The WHO’s classification means that gaming disorder will be recognized by doctors and insurance providers.
This post World Health Organization To Classify Gaming Addiction As A Mental Health Disorder first appeared on Vibe.
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