Summary of 'Gaming disorder' now designated as mental health condition
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially classified "gaming disorder" as a mental health condition, a decision that has sparked significant debate within the medical community. While some experts believe this recognition is overdue, reflecting the addictive nature of video games for certain individuals, others caution that it may lead to misdiagnosis of other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Chris Davis, a father of four, shared his personal experience with gaming addiction, having spent up to 18 hours a day playing games. After undergoing therapy and a 90-day detox, he emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, which has improved his family life. The WHO's criteria for diagnosing gaming disorder requires evidence of compulsive gaming behavior for at least 12 months.
Despite the growing popularity of video games—60% of Americans play daily, with 2.6 billion gamers worldwide—only 3% are affected by the disorder. The International Game Developers Association expressed concern over the potential negative implications of the WHO's classification, arguing that gaming often serves as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety.
Medical experts warn that labeling gaming as an addiction could dilute the seriousness of traditional addictions. Dr. Dave Anderson from the Child Mind Institute highlighted the need for parents to monitor their children's gaming habits, emphasizing the importance of balancing screen time with other developmental activities.
In response to the growing concern, technology companies like Google and Apple are introducing features to help users monitor and limit their screen time, acknowledging that excessive gaming or social media use can be problematic.
Presenters/Contributors:
- Deborah Roberts
- Chris Davis
- Dr. Dave Anderson
- Michael (last name not provided)
- George Stephanopoulos
Notable Quotes
— 01:07 — « learning to set boundaries helped him save his family. »
— 01:53 — « the new classification may lead to a possible misdiagnosis of mental health conditions like depression anxiety and stress. »
— 02:17 — « the science and common sense around how video games are played supports the conclusion that video games are not addictive. »
— 04:50 — « a lot of this is setting boundaries from the start. »
— 05:20 — « it's not always the kid with the problem it may be the parent with the problem. »
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News and Commentary