After the World Health Organization decided to officially classify ‘Gaming Disorder’ as an illness, the National Health Service in the United Kingdom is set to open a specialist clinic designed to treat young adults and kids who have developed an addiction to video games.
WHO’s ICD-11 said that Gaming Disorder is described as ‘a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behavior (‘digital gaming’ or ‘video-gaming’), which may be online (i.e., over the internet) or offline.’
The condition may manifest through ‘impaired control over gaming’, always putting games ahead of other activities and life interests, and continuing to play for hours despite negative consequences in matters of “personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning.”
The Guardian reported that health professionals and GPs will be able to refer those aged from 13 to 25 who may be displaying symptoms of Gaming Disorder for treatment.
When the WHO announced its decision to classify gaming disorder as an illness, many Entertainment Associations from all over the world, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia and South Korea came together and criticized the move.
The WHO explained that its classification was based on “reviews of available evidence and reflects a consensus of experts from different disciplines and geographical regions that were involved in the process of technical consultations undertaken by WHO in the process of ICD-11 development.”
The new NHS clinic will be a part of the National Center for Behavioral Addictions in London where patients can attend either using Skype or in person.
The plan is for psychiatrists, therapists, psychologists and mental health nurses to work with people referred in treating their gaming addiction.
Simon Stevens, the Chief Executive of NHS England, said: “Health needs are constantly changing, which is why the NHS must never stand still.
“This new service is a response to an emerging problem, part of the increasing pressures that children and young people are exposed to these days.”
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Replaced!