'Hazardous' gaming habits could soon be labeled as health problem
is proposing “gaming disorder” and “hazardous gaming” labels for people who are consumed by gaming in unhealthy ways.
Gaming disorder would refer to people consumed by gaming even if faced with problems. The behavior hurts one personally, educationally or occupationally or adversely affects other important areas of life like relationships, according to the proposed definition.
Hazardous gaming would involve greater physical or mental health risks to the individual or those around the person.
Gaming could refer to digital or video games.
The classification is part of a World Health Organization document that’s been under review for years and could be released next year. WHO member states give input to the listings.
The psychological benchmark for diagnosing mental health conditions, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), currently lists internet gaming as a condition of further study.