Video Game Addiction
Is Classified as a Mental
Health Disorder by WHO The World Health Organization made
the classification in its International
Classifications of Diseases (ICD). The ICD describes the addiction as
"a pattern of persistent or recurrent
gaming behavior" that "takes
precedence over other life interests." According to the WHO,
a small percentage of gamers
develop a problematic addiction. But some of the worst cases reveal
players gaming for 20 hours straight,
without eating or sleeping. The ICD enables the WHO
to understand health trends
and to "take action to prevent
suffering and save lives." Health insurers also
use the ICD classifications
in regards to reimbursements. Lobbying group
Video Games Coalition
has urged the WHO to
reconsider the classification.