
Audio By Carbonatix
Your fortnite addiction might just be an official illness.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Saturday adopted the latest update to its International Classification of Diseases (ICD), which adds "gaming disorder" to its list of modern diseases.
The organisation last June added gaming addiction under its section of potentially harmful technology-related behaviours, including too much use of "the internet, computers, smartphones" and more.
Despite opposition from trade groups, which reportedly pointed to contradictory research on the subject and touted some of the virtues of video games, the latest ICD was officially approved at the 72nd World Health Assembly.
"Gaming disorder" lives under the "disorders due to addictive behaviour" section of the ICD. It's described as "a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behavior, which may be online or offline, manifested by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences."
The issue of gaming addiction isn't new: The American Psychiatric Association still has it listed as up for discussion in the latest version of its diagnostic bible, the DSM-5.
The American Medical Association backed away from "video game addiction" in 2007.
Latest Stories
-
The attack on Ghanaian traders in Burkina Faso and the blame game: Why Hybrid Security Governance Holds the Key (II)
23 seconds -
Bayern face waiting game on ‘very special’ Kane
10 minutes -
The Problem with Nutrition Advice on Social Media – Lessons from a study among University Students
17 minutes -
Arteta calls for perspective as Arsenal look to avoid slump
26 minutes -
Kasoa Old Market traders given final eviction notice ahead of redevelopment
29 minutes -
GH¢15 sachet water price is a ceiling, not fixed – Producers clarify
33 minutes -
Morocco reports 7% rise in first-quarter tourist arrivals
36 minutes -
Calm returns to Adjen Kotoku Market following onion traders’ clash
36 minutes -
One dead, six in critical condition in Gomoa Fetteh accident
38 minutes -
GNFS responds to multi-vehicle crash at Ayi Mensah, urges caution
42 minutes -
Kaneshie footbridge closure raises safety concerns as pedestrians demand urgent repairs
45 minutes -
Clock ticks on Trump’s Iran ultimatum with little sign of breakthrough
47 minutes -
Be value creators for national development – KGL boss challenges private sector
53 minutes -
Bishop Asuamah urges hope, peace amid global and local conflicts
57 minutes -
Morocco stopped fewer illegal migration attempts in 2025 as route shifts
57 minutes