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
-
Accra turns white as Dîner en Blanc delivers night of elegance and culture
2 hours -
War-torn Myanmar voting in widely criticised ‘sham’ election
4 hours -
Justice by guesswork is dangerous – Constitution Review Chair calls for data-driven court reforms
4 hours -
Justice delayed is justice denied, the system is failing litigants – Constitution Review Chair
4 hours -
Reform without data is a gamble – Constitution Review Chair warns against rushing Supreme Court changes
5 hours -
Rich and voiceless: How Putin has kept Russia’s billionaires on side in the war against Ukraine
5 hours -
Cruise ship hits reef on first trip since leaving passenger on island
5 hours -
UK restricts DR Congo visas over migrant return policy
6 hours -
Attack on Kyiv shows ‘Russia doesn’t want peace’, Zelensky says
6 hours -
Two dead in 50-vehicle pile up on Japan highway
6 hours -
Fearing deportation, Hondurans in the US send more cash home than ever before
6 hours -
New York blanketed in snow, sparking travel chaos
6 hours -
Creative Canvas 2025: Documenting Ghana’s creative year beyond the noise
10 hours -
We would have lost that game last season – Guardiola
10 hours -
Nigeria reach AFCON last 16 despite Tunisia fightback
10 hours
