When it comes to video games, there is a lot of discussion about overuse, problematic play, hazardous play, and addiction. It can be difficult to sift through this information. So what exactly is Gaming Disorder?  

In 2018, the WHO announced “Gaming Disorder” (i.e., video game addiction) would be included in the newest iteration of their “International Classification of Diseases” or ICD-11.  

According to the World Health Organization, the official criteria that need to be met for a diagnosis of Gaming Disorder are: 

• Impaired control over gaming (e.g., onset, frequency, intensity, duration, termination, and context) 

• Increasing priority given to gaming to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities 
• Continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.  

All of these symptoms must be present and this behavior pattern must be of sufficient severity to negatively impact personal, family, social, educational and/or other important areas of functioning. This behavior must be present for at least 12 months; however, the pattern of gaming behavior may be continuous or episodic and recurrent. 

All of these symptoms must be present and this behavior pattern must be of sufficient severity to negatively impact personal, family, social, educational and/or other important areas of functioning. This behavior must be present for at least 12 months; however, the pattern of gaming behavior may be continuous or episodic and recurrent. 

It is important to note that in the most recent publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association, Gaming Disorder (GD) was identified as a possible psychiatric condition. While there are still active debates about the best way to conceptualize and assess IGD (see here, here, and here), the APA has attempted to establish its own standard practice separate from the WHO’s suggestions. Specifically, the suggest a nine-item checklist, with the report of 5 or more of the nine criteria occurring over the previous 12 months, plus an endorsement of personal distress due to Internet gaming indicating addiction. The nine criteria are as follows:

1. Spent too much time thinking about games.
2. Felt moody or anxious when unable to play.
3. Increased playtime to keep excitement high.
4. Felt that I should play less but couldn’t.
5. Kept playing even though it caused problems.
6. Kept others from knowing how much I play.
7. Played to escape uncomfortable feelings.
8. Reduced or lost interest in other activities.
9. Risked friends or opportunities due to games.

The WHO’s classification and definition is actively debated within academic and medical communities (see here, here, and here). For example, in the most recent publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the manual used by many psychologists to assess and classify mental health diagnoses) published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), Gaming Disorder (GD) was identified as a possible psychiatric condition that requires further research before determining whether or not it should be classified as a unique psychological condition.  

In this episode of Jargon Schmargon, we explore these different diagnoses and touch on some of the active debates about them.