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https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/video-game-addiction-officially-considered-141236486.html
Think your kid is addicted to video games? There could be something to it.
The condition is included in the global medical guide within a section detailing disorders due to substance use or addictive behaviors, along with "Gambling disorder."
"Risk of abuse of a formalized new disorder that solely involves the behavior of playing video games – a stigmatized entertainment activity – can only expand the false-positive issues in psychiatry," the researchers wrote. One of the researchers, Chris Ferguson, a psychologist and media researcher at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, resurfaced the paper on Twitter after the organization's action. "This expansion will likely have a psychological and societal cost, potentially harming the well-being of our children."
"Risk of abuse of a formalized new disorder that solely involves the behavior of playing video games – a stigmatized entertainment activity – can only expand the false-positive issues in psychiatry," the researchers wrote. One of the researchers, Chris Ferguson, a psychologist and media researcher at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, resurfaced the paper on Twitter after the organization's action. "This expansion will likely have a psychological and societal cost, potentially harming the well-being of our children."
Citing similar concerns, video game groups – including the Entertainment Software Association and UK Interactive Association – asked the WHO to "rethink their decision." The WHO "is an esteemed organization and its guidance needs to be based on regular, inclusive, and transparent reviews backed by independent experts," their statement said. " ‘Gaming disorder’ is not based on sufficiently robust evidence to justify its inclusion in one of the WHO’s most important norm-setting tools.”
A small minority of gamers may develop the problem, but the disorder's classification could lead to early warning signs that prevent addiction, he said.
"This is an occasional or transitory behavior," Saxena told Reuters, noting that people must exhibit the behavior for at least one year to meet the diagnosis.
Follow USA TODAY reporter Mike Snider on Twitter: @MikeSnider.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Video game addiction is officially considered a mental disorder, WHO says
Think your kid is addicted to video games? There could be something to it.
The condition is included in the global medical guide within a section detailing disorders due to substance use or addictive behaviors, along with "Gambling disorder."
"Risk of abuse of a formalized new disorder that solely involves the behavior of playing video games – a stigmatized entertainment activity – can only expand the false-positive issues in psychiatry," the researchers wrote. One of the researchers, Chris Ferguson, a psychologist and media researcher at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, resurfaced the paper on Twitter after the organization's action. "This expansion will likely have a psychological and societal cost, potentially harming the well-being of our children."
"Risk of abuse of a formalized new disorder that solely involves the behavior of playing video games – a stigmatized entertainment activity – can only expand the false-positive issues in psychiatry," the researchers wrote. One of the researchers, Chris Ferguson, a psychologist and media researcher at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, resurfaced the paper on Twitter after the organization's action. "This expansion will likely have a psychological and societal cost, potentially harming the well-being of our children."
Citing similar concerns, video game groups – including the Entertainment Software Association and UK Interactive Association – asked the WHO to "rethink their decision." The WHO "is an esteemed organization and its guidance needs to be based on regular, inclusive, and transparent reviews backed by independent experts," their statement said. " ‘Gaming disorder’ is not based on sufficiently robust evidence to justify its inclusion in one of the WHO’s most important norm-setting tools.”
A small minority of gamers may develop the problem, but the disorder's classification could lead to early warning signs that prevent addiction, he said.
"This is an occasional or transitory behavior," Saxena told Reuters, noting that people must exhibit the behavior for at least one year to meet the diagnosis.
Follow USA TODAY reporter Mike Snider on Twitter: @MikeSnider.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Video game addiction is officially considered a mental disorder, WHO says