You know modern lifestyle diseases and conditions are real when the World Health Organization classify Gaming Disorder and an actual mental health condition. Though some may find the term ‘mental health condition’ too strong-a-term to describe a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behavior’ (addiction to gaming), closer observation on the individual’s socio-economic standings would beg to differ.
As described in WHO’s beta draft of the upcoming 11th update of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), set to be released in 2018. Gaming disorder is not among the list of affliction being recognized by WHO and which deliberate measures should be taken to mitigate their effects.
WHO reckons people who suffer from the gaming disorder exhibit “impaired control over gaming.” That is to say; these folks cannot control the frequency, intensity, duration, and context of their gaming habits.
WHO further notes that such individuals do prioritize video game over “other life interest and daily activities” and continuously escalate the longevity and intensity of their play “despite the occurrence of negative consequences.” The draft reads in part:
“The behavior pattern is of sufficient severity to result in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. 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 requirement are met, and symptoms are severe.”
The inclusion of gaming disorder into the ICD-11 might have a broader ramification than most people fail to imagine. That is because that very same document will prescribe to the world what qualify (and does not qualify) to be described as a health condition. That means doctors around the world will start diagnosing too much gaming behavior as a mental health disorder. Not long after that, insurance companies around the world might begin providing cover for such ailments treatment.