The World Health Organization (WHO) has just published its draft revision of the International Classification of Diseases. For the first time, this 11th revision includes among the diseases “video game disorder”, a pathology characterized by “a loss of control over the gamean increased priority given to gambling, to the extent that it takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and by the continuation or escalation of gambling despite harmful repercussions”.
The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is the international standard for reporting diseases and health problems. It is used by doctors around the world to diagnose ailments, and by researchers to categorize diseases. ICD-11 will be presented to the World Health Assembly in May 2019 for adoption by Member States and will enter into force on January 1, 2022.
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“After consulting experts around the world and reviewing the literature extensively, we have decided that this disorder should be added”, Dr. Shekhar Saxena, director of the WHO’s Mental Health and Substance Abuse Department, told AFP. But he admits that video game disorder only affects a small percentage of gaming enthusiasts. For the disease to be diagnosed, the player’s behavior must be of sufficient severity to cause an alteration in all his other activities (personal, family, social, educational, professional, etc.) and to manifest itself clearly over a period of time. at least 12 months.
“The person plays so much that other interests and activities are neglectedincluding sleep and meals” insists the doctor. The disorder may also be accompanied by other mental illnesses such as anxiety or depression.
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