Gaming disorder is now classified as a disease.

On the 25th May, the World Health Organization(WHO) adopted the revision on their International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11). And for the first time ever,  “Gaming disorder” - which is considered an addictive behavior disorder - has been included in the list. 

What is Gaming disorder?

Gaming disorder is defined in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as a pattern of gaming behavior (“digital-gaming” or “video-gaming”) characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.

Although the WHO did give out a definition of what a gaming disorder is, it seems rather vague to give a diagnosis to actual patients. Experts predicted that it would require even more time to diagnose this on pro gamers.

Korea, known as the country that first started to bring up the current form of esports, has been sensitive on classifying games as a disease. They made a self-diagnosis test related to gaming disorder even before the WHO categorized it as a disease code.

So, are you free from gaming disorder? The following is a self-diagnosis test on game addiction released from the Korean National Health Insurance. Go through the list and find out how much you are addicted to playing games.

Notes: The following has been directly translated from the Korean National Health Insurance’s test\results. This does not represent the stance of this writing.

• Playing games is the first thing I do after turning on my computer.

• If I don’t have something urgent to do, I mostly spend time on playing games.

• Sometimes I feel like playing games even if I’m not.

• I become forgetful after playing games. (ex: losing something, forgetting what to do)

• I can’t stop playing games even if I have something urgent and important to do.

• I’ve failed an exam (work) due to playing games.

• I feel like I can achieve something that I can’t by playing games.

• I play games almost every day.

• I feel angry and frustrated when I can’t play games.

• I was in conflict with my family because of playing games.

• I stayed up numerous times from playing games.

• It feels like I die when my character gets hurt or dies inside the game.

• I scream a lot when playing games.

• I feel like I’m a more capable person inside games than in real life.

• I fail all the time when I try to cut back on playing games.

• I neglect my studies in order to play games.

• I prefer to play games than spend time with my family and friends.

• If someone asks whether I played games, I try to gloss over it.

• I scream or get angry if I’m bothered while playing games.

• I become frustrated when my parents ask to cut back on playing games.

• I prefer to play games than spending time outside or enjoying my hobbies.

• When I cannot play games I become depressed and anxious. However, once I start playing games, these feelings vanish.

0 ~ 5: You are normal.

You don’t enjoy playing games. There is no need to concern about game addiction.

6 ~ 10: You enjoy playing games. For a more healthier gaming experience, sometimes turn the power off.

Although you do enjoy playing games, you are still free from gaming addiction. We recommend to sometimes go outside and spend time with your family and friends. It will be a good refreshment.

11 ~ 15: You are exposed to game addiction. Go to your nearest specialist for help.

Prevention is crucial for game addiction. If you believe you are addicted to games, it’s important to acknowledge your problem in advance and work hard to fix it.

15 ~ 22: You have a high possibility of suffering game addiction. It’s time to go back to reality.

You are over-passionate about games. Sometimes, you forget about reality and only focus on the virtual world. Excessive gaming is not only bad for your body but also bad for your mental health. Go to your nearest hospital and receive help from a specialist.