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Video Game Addiction Will Now Be Recognised As A Mental Health Illness

WHO (The World Health Organisation) are to publish an account where they will classify gaming addiction as a mental health condition. This comes after many parents being concerned for their children who are glued to their headsets, and after 'Fortnite' has become one of the most popular online games of all time.

This means that people will now be able to receive treatment for this addiction, and children will receive it for free.

WHO defines it as persistent or recurring gaming behaviour, and when gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities. They posted details on their website;

Gaming disorder is characterized by a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behaviour (‘digital gaming’ or ‘video-gaming’), which may be online (i.e., over the internet) or offline, manifested by: 1) impaired control over gaming (e.g., onset, frequency, intensity, duration, termination, context); 2) increasing priority given to gaming to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities; and 3) continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.

Between 1% and 6% percent of young people are addicted to video games, along with 2.6 million people playing it regularly.

Online and video gaming has become increasingly popular over the last few years, with games such as Fortnite, Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto being heavily criticised.

Many people believe this is a step in the right direction for recognition for mental health illnesses, but many also think it's a bit of an over-reaction and will only cause parents to worry more.

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