Gaming Disorder

Gaming disorder is a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behavior online or offline, manifested by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences[1]

History
Over the years, there has been much debate as to whether addictive gaming behaviors should be classified as a disorder. In fact, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association in 2013 says that "Internet Gaming Disorder" is a "condition for further study" warranting more clinical research and experience before it might be considered for inclusion in the main book as a formal disorder".[2]  DSM-5 states that the disorder is most common in male adolescents 12 to 20 years of age. According to studies it is thought to be more common in Asian countries than in North America and Europe.[2]

In 2018, however, the World Health Organization (WHO) included Gaming disorder in their diagnostic manual, the International Classification of Diseases.[3]  disorder alongside gambling disorder will be classified under "Disorders Due to Addictive Behaviors".

The decision to include addictive gaming behavior in the WHO's ICD-11 taken based consultations with experts in various fields from across the globe and follows the implementation of treatment programs in various countries those with health conditions identical to those exhibited by people with gaming disorder. As a new listing, the disorder will receive the attention of medical professionals, increasing their awareness of its associated risks as well as prevention and treatment measures.[4]

Some researchers have underlined the weakness of the evidence and the clinical utility of the WHO's ICD-11 « because there is a genuine risk of abuse of diagnoses