When was gaming disorder recognized?
The question of when gaming disorder was recognized is a timely and relevant one, especially with the increasing popularity of video games and the concerns about their potential impact on individuals and society. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized gaming disorder as a mental health condition in 2018.
The Early Recognition
While gaming disorder as a distinct mental health condition was recognized by the WHO in 2018, the concept of excessive or compulsive gaming dates back to the 1980s. The term "video game addiction" was first coined in the late 1980s by researchers who noticed that some individuals were becoming obsessed with playing video games, often to the point of neglecting their responsibilities and relationships.
The 1990s: A Growing Concern
By the 1990s, concerns about video game addiction had grown, with many experts warning about its potential negative effects on children and adolescents. Studies conducted in the 1990s found that excessive video game playing was associated with negative outcomes, such as aggression, social isolation, and decreased attention span.
The 2000s: A Focus on Gaming Addiction
In the 2000s, researchers began to focus more specifically on gaming addiction, recognizing that it was a distinct phenomenon that required a unique approach to treatment. The term "internet gaming disorder" (IGD) was introduced in the 2000s to describe the behavior of individuals who became intensely involved in online gaming and experienced negative consequences as a result.
The DSM-5: A Milestone
In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) published the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which included internet gaming disorder (IGD) as a condition warranting further study. This recognition was a significant milestone in the recognition of gaming disorder, as it acknowledged that IGD was a legitimate mental health condition that required further research and treatment.
The WHO’s Recognition: A Global Standard
In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized gaming disorder as a mental health condition in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). This recognition was a major step forward, as it established gaming disorder as a global standard for diagnosis and treatment. The WHO’s recognition of gaming disorder has far-reaching implications, as it provides a standardized framework for healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat individuals struggling with gaming addiction.
Signs and Symptoms
Gaming disorder is characterized by a pattern of behavior in which an individual engages in gaming activities for an extended period, even to the point of neglecting other important aspects of their life. Other signs and symptoms of gaming disorder include:
- Preoccupation with gaming: The individual’s mind is preoccupied with gaming, and they spend an excessive amount of time thinking about gaming.
- Withdrawal symptoms: When the individual is unable to engage in gaming activities, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety or irritability.
- Tolerance: The individual needs to spend increasingly longer periods playing games to achieve the same level of pleasure or excitement.
- Loss of control: The individual is unable to control their gaming behavior and continues to engage in it despite negative consequences.
Conclusion
Gaming disorder is a recognized mental health condition that has been slowly emerging as a concern over the past few decades. The WHO’s recognition of gaming disorder in 2018 has established it as a global standard for diagnosis and treatment. Healthcare professionals and researchers are now working together to better understand the causes and consequences of gaming disorder, and to develop effective treatments to support individuals struggling with this condition.