Play too many video games? The World Health Organization might soon say you suffer from “gaming disorder.”

A draft of WHO’s 11th update of International Classification of Diseases characterizes the disorder as “recurrent” gaming behavior manifested by “impaired control over gaming,” “increasing priority given to gaming,” and “escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.”

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The term “gaming disorder” isn’t limited to simply excessive time spent playing video games in the entry. The disorder could include adverse online and offline behavior tied to excessive video game activity, WHO spokesperson Tarik Jašarević said.

“In a number of countries, the problem has become a significant public health concern,” Jašarević said.

The entry includes a clinical description, but not prevention and treatment options.

The ICD disorders are scheduled to publish in 2018.



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