According to Tarik Jasarevic, a spokesperson for the WHO, the move is "based on reviews of available evidence", and reflects general agreement among experts around the world that some people show a "pattern of gaming behavior characterized by impaired control", prioritizing gaming over other daily responsibilities, including attending school or work and keeping social appointments.
However, not everyone agrees that "video game addiction" is something that can be diagnosed or treated.
You may remember the motion was first drafted back in January of previous year, when it was put forward to be included in a new revision of the "International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems" as a "disorder due to addictive behaviour".
As Polygon noted, the language for the disorder - which was finalized in 2018 and formally adopted May 25, 2019 - is almost identical to ICD-11's description of "gambling disorder", which precedes it in the chapter.
Prior to this decision, Microsoft also stated that the "gaming industry needs to do more "heavy lifting" when it comes to responsible gaming after recent scrutiny over gaming 'addiction, ' loot boxes and online safety".
Critics say there hasn't been enough research on the topic to make a definitive conclusion on whether the "gaming disorder" qualifies as a mental health condition.
In a move passed by the World Health Assembly last week, the peak worldwide health body hopes to "liberate" trans and non-binary people around the world.
China steps up threat to deprive United States of rare earths
President Trump said China could face tariffs on another $300 billion worth of goods unless Beijing comes to its senses. However, concentrated and economic deposits are scarce, and production is dominated by a handful of countries.
Continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.
For the diagnosis to take place the pattern of behaviour must be evident for at least 12 months while also significantly impacting upon one's personal life, education or career. This follows heavy points of contest from game industry organisations such as the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), which is vying to push the decision back. He said that spending several hours may not be the real issue, instead of when other life activities are affected by it, that's when it turns into a gaming disorder.
The revision that will include gaming disorder will take effect on January 1, 2022.
Numerous gamers may not agree with the gaming disorder and reject this theory.
Gaming and depression may be interlinked in a way and therefore it is hard to distinguish them.
Even with their previous victories, WHO's decision to add Gaming Disorder will continue to be contested by the ESA.
WHO hopes that adopting gaming disorder as an official illness may help draw health professionals towards identifying risks for the disorder.
Comments