The World Health Organization has added "gaming disorder" to the official list of diseases for 2018. Gaming has officially been added to the list of other problematic behaviors such as gambling and substance abuse.

"Gaming Disorder" is classified as the inability to control when and how often to play video games, despite clear negative consequences.

Because gaming disorder has been added to the World Health Organization's list of diseases, it will be recognized in 2018 by doctors and insurance companies.

Definition Of Gaming Disorder

The draft's language outlines that there are 3 characteristics that qualify gaming behavior as a disorder:

• Impaired control over gaming (e.g. frequency, intensity, duration, termination)
• If the individual starts to prioritize gaming over many other life interests and daily activities
• If they continue playing despite clear negative consequences

"The behavior pattern is of sufficient severity to result in significant impairment in...