Video gaming: WHO recognizes video games addiction as a mental health disorder

In its latest revision to a disease classification manual, the UN health agency said on Monday that compulsively playing video games now qualifies as a mental health condition. The statement confirmed the fear of some parents but led critics to warn that it may risk stigmatizing to many young video players.
WHO said classifying ''gaming disorder'' as a separate addiction will help governments, families and health care workers to be more vigilant and prepared to identify the risks. The agency and the other experts were quick to note that cases of the condition are still very rare, with no more than up to three per cent of all gamers believed to be affected.

Dr Shekhar sexena, director of WHO,s department of mental health and substance abuse, said the agency accept the proposal that gaming disorder should be listed as a new problem based on scientific evidence in addition to '' the need and the demand for the treatment in many part of the world''.

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