Video game addiction will soon be added to the list of mental health disorders.
The World Health Organization says that “gaming disorder” will be added to its official list of diseases in 2018.
Symptoms of “gaming disorder” include inability to control when and how to play video games and choosing games over other interests in life. Someone with the disorder may keep playing video games despite negative consequences.
Health experts say that gaming itself is not a problem, but say that it should be viewed in context with where, why and how much someone plays.
Adding the disorder to the WHO list means that it will be recognized by doctors and insurance companies.