Video game addiction is officially considered a mental disorder, says WHO

Think your kid is addicted to video games? There could be something to it. The World Health Organization has made video game addiction an official mental health disorder. The Geneva, Switzerland-headquartered organization has added "Gaming disorder" to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems or "ICD-11," which goes into effect in January 2022. The condition has been included in the global medical guide within a section detailing disorders due to substance use or addictive behaviors along with "Gambling disorder." The ICD-11 describes "Gaming disorder" as recurrent video game playing that leads to "impaired control over gaming" and an "increasing priority given to gaming to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities," despite "the occurrence of negative consequences."