Video games are as addictive as crack cocaine or gambling to some players, warns WHO
Critics say the number of compulsive gamers is less than 1 per cent and the claim will stigmatise young people just because they play video games
The World Health Organisation says some obsessive video gamers may really have an addiction.
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.
But the statement led critics to warn that it may risk stigmatising young people just because they play video games.
The WHO said classifying so-called gaming disorder as a separate condition will help governments, families and health care workers be more vigilant and prepared to identify the risks. The agency and other experts were quick to note that cases of the condition are still very rare, with no more than up to 3 per cent of all gamers believed to be affected.
Dr Shekhar Saxena, director of WHO’s department for mental health and substance abuse, said the agency accepted 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 treatment in many parts of the world”.