The WHO included it within the classification of diseases as a behavioral disorder

The abuse of video games is today part of the list of new mental disorders of the World Health Organization, in a category that is at the same level as the action of betting in excess. The WHO included "gaming disorder" (in English, Gaming Disorder) in the most recent version of its International Classification of Diseases, (ICD-11), published on Monday.

Although some psychologists do not agree with their inclusion, granting such classification to addiction to videogames implies institutional responsibilities for prevention.

The 'disorder of the games' is located within the group of disorders due to the addictive behaviors. This does not mean that those who own a console and play in it happen to have mental problems, but that the abuse of video games can be recognized and treated by the medical community as a disease.

Within the revelations of the new document, which was not updated for 28 years, WHO also removed transsexuality from the list of disorders and included it within sexual behaviors.

According to the CIE 11, the 'Mental, behavioral or neurodevelopmental disorders', the main category of the classification, "are characterized by the repeated inability to resist an urge or urge to perform an act that is rewarding for the person." Such behaviors, or substances, can lead to a significant deterioration in personal and family aspects, and have an impact on social, educational or occupational dimensions of people.

Specifically, disorders due to addictive behaviors are conditions that develop as a result of specific repetitive behaviors of reward and reinforcement . Among them is identified the game, of bets, and the game, of video games or 'digital game'. Which means that the addiction to video games is not classified according to the format, it can be on mobile devices, computers or consoles.

According to the WHO, the 'game disorder' "is characterized by a pattern of persistent or recurrent game behavior in video games, or digital games.

Control of the deteriorated game. That corresponds to factors such as the beginning, frequency, intensity, duration and context.
The increase of the priority granted to the games in the measure in which the videojuegos obtain greater priority on other interests of the life and the daily activities.
The continuation or increase of activity despite the occurrence of negative consequences.
In addition to these behaviors are deteriorating social relationships and performance in important areas, such as education or occupation of people, the 'gaming disorder' can be: continuous, episodic or recurrent.

According to the WHO, According to information from the Washington Post, Shekhar Saxena, director of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse of WHO, indicated that the WHO accepted the proposal to include the disorder of the game based on scientific evidence, in addition to "the need and the demand for treatment in many parts of the world. " the greatest risk may be due to the frequency of games, the amount of time spent on these activities, the neglect of other activities and priorities and the risk behaviors associated with the game or its context. The characteristics of the disorder are evident during a period of at least 12 months before a diagnosis is assigned by the professionals.

Saxena, who explained that playing video games is not harmful by itself, said that the figures estimate that between 2 and 3 percent of players present abusive behavior, but said that the WHO wants to make sure of the data and have a certainty scientific

One of the main consequences is that by including this disorder within the list, it would allow people who suffer from it to have official help. If it is recognized as an affectation, after the implementation of the CIE it could be covered by public health systems and by insurance.

It is expected that the updated CIE will be presented to the member states of WHO at its General Health Assembly in May 2019 and that its adoption will be for January 2022 .

The ICD-11, which was built for more than 10 years, changes WHO's classification of health in the world and is the first fully electronic version of the list, which now includes 55,000 injuries, illnesses and causes of death. For its preparation, the international organization received more than 10,000 proposals for revision.

• video
• game
• addictions