'Gaming Disorder' Is Now Recognized By World Health Organization

NEW YORK, NY — The World Health Organization has officially put deadbeat sons and daughters on notice — so-called "gaming disorder" has been added to the group's section on addictive disorders. The mental health disorder is characterized by a pattern of "persistent or recurrent" gaming behaviors, the organization said in the latest version of its International Classification of Diseases, which was released Monday.

Those suffering from the disorder might find it difficult to stop gaming, may prioritize gaming over "other life interests and daily activities,"and may continue gaming despite "negative consequences."

If it sounds familiar, it should. It's an addictive disorder, not unlike a gambling problem. WHO said individuals with severe gaming disorder similarly see significant repercussions in their personal lives, including family, friends, job and education.

If that's alarming to any parents who are accustomed to hearing virtual bullets whiz through their homes at all hours of the night, it probably shouldn't.

First of all, to be diagnosed, the negative pattern must continue for at least a year, except for rare cases. Secondly — and perhaps more — the actual prevalence of gaming disorder is "very low," Dr. Vladimir Poznyak, a member of the organization's Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, told CNN.

"Millions of gamers around the world, even when it comes to the intense gaming, would never qualify as people suffering from gaming disorder," he said.

Poznyak stressed to CNN that its a clinical condition and only health professionals can make a diagnosis.

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