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
-
World Cup 2026: Black Stars players to receive $100,000 as appearance fee – Sports Minister
3 hours -
Nigerian retired general abducted with his wife in the north-west
3 hours -
TTU crowned Overall Best Innovator at ARCTUG 2026
3 hours -
NPP members oppose resumption of Asante Mampong polling station elections
4 hours -
Educators, traditional leaders call for stronger link between humanities and skills development
4 hours -
Severe rainstorm wreaks havoc at Adaklu Kodzobi Ando
4 hours -
Hundreds arrested and dozens of police injured after Champions League riots in France
4 hours -
AMECO launches 80th anniversary with a focus on infrastructure development
4 hours -
Health Ministry receives pulse oximeter donation to support Free Primary Healthcare initiative
4 hours -
Will controlling hostel rents solve the accommodation challenges on our campuses?
4 hours -
2026 U17 WWCQ: Black Maidens to face Senegal in final round
5 hours -
McDan graces Hitz Rep Ur Jersey at Aviation Social Centre, makes commentary debut in UCL final
6 hours -
Damang Gold Mine invests $250 million in mining equipment
7 hours -
Richard Ankomah beats competition to win Hitz FM Rep Ur Jersey 2026 Quiz
8 hours -
Afriyie Wutah marks birthday with ‘Summer Jam’ featuring Maxi Priest
8 hours