Game disorder officially recognized as a disease by the World Health Organization

By Adam Bankhurst

The World Health Organization has officially recognized gambling disorder as a disease under the Eleventh Revision of the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11), which will come into force on January 1, 2022.

According to the World Health Organization (VG247), gambling disease is a "type of gambling behavior (" digital game "or" video game ") characterized by a loss of control of the game, a growing priority given to the game. in relation to other activities, the extent to which gambling outweighs other interests and daily activities, as well as the continuation or intensification of the game despite the occurrence of negative consequences. "

In order for the gambling disorder to be diagnosed, "the behavior must be of sufficient gravity to result in a significant impairment of personal, family, social, educational, professional or other functioning and would normally have been evident for at least 12 months."

The decision was made to include gambling disorder in ICD-11 "based on reviews of available evidence and reflects a consensus of experts from different disciplines and geographical regions who participated in the process of technical consultations undertaken by WHO in the process of ICD-11 development. "

In January of last year, the World Health Organization listed gambling disorder alongside a dangerous gambling-related health disorder, which was to be added as part of the project first major update of the Compendium of International Diseases since 1992.

Following the announcement of last year, many gaming organizations have come together to oppose this new addition, declaring themselves "concerned that" gambling disorder "is always contained in the latest version of the ICD-11 of WHO, despite strong opposition from the medical and scientific community. "

Prior to this decision, Microsoft had also stated that "the game industry must make more efforts in responsible gaming after the recent scrutiny of" dependence, "safe and secure line".

"There are valid arguments from many facets of this debate, but I agree with the industry's position that it is clear that more research is needed here," says Chief Dave McCarthy. operations at Xbox. "I think it's painfully obvious when you look at all the research that's going on right now."

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Adam Bankhurst is a journalist who believes that more research is needed here. You can follow him on Twitter @ AdamBankhurst.