Addiction to video games: a disease recognized by the WHO in 2018?

And if 2018 was the year of recognition by the WHO of the addition to video games as a disease? A priori is that looming on the horizon if we refer to the working document that is circulating now and that could lead WHO experts to include this addiction in its next international classification of diseases.

Today, video games have become an important part of our society. It is practiced everywhere and is intended for all audiences, from the child to the senior. It has become an essential media for most French people. For some it takes a little too much perhaps. Some are so addicted that they become addicted! And this manifests itself in significant consequences for the social life of the individuals concerned.



This is why it is not impossible for WHO (World Health Organization, ndrl) to include this addiction in its next international classification of diseases.

For the WHO experts, the behavior of some players is indeed a mental disorder: loss of control or reduced control over gambling; almost absolute priority given to gambling in relation to any other activity; continuation or escalation of the game even if it must have negative consequences ... etc.

In the face of these obvious behavioral disorders, addiction to video games could soon be included in the category "Addictive behavior disorders with several characteristics of addiction".

This is not the first time that we have asked questions on this subject because video games are today part of everyday life for a large majority of French people.

This is why the Federal Institute of Behavioral Addictions (Ifad) has also published a small video game guide to prevent and inform about the use of video games at home. It is free to download HERE

The opportunity to learn that video games are overall a pleasure, a source of fun, creativity and entertainment.

In a small proportion of players, however, the loss of control of the time spent playing is obvious and the consequences on daily life sometimes important

The excessive practice of video games can then lead to academic and / or professional difficulties, as well as a withdrawal into the home with abandonment of other leisure activities and a reduction of social relations in real life.

Addiction to video games: children too may be concerned
Beware of the risks of addiction in children. For parents whose children play often, here are some tips. These signs should alert you:

- the child begins to play all night and loses the notion of time
- He withdraws to his home and abandons his other hobbies
- His school results are falling sharply
- He has mood disorders, seems sad, even sometimes aggressive when he can not play
- His social relations in real life diminish
- He turns away from his family and is at the center of family conflicts. ...
- etc ...

In case of doubt, know that there are in France some centers specialized in the care of the dependence on video games. Educate yourself!