Digital illustration of a person overwhelmed by screens representing video games, symbolizing the challenges of gaming disorder.

Is Gaming Disorder a Real Threat? Understanding the ICD-11 Debate

Avery Sinclair in Mind & Education August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A look at the arguments for and against including gaming disorder in the International Classification of Diseases, and what it means for treatment and research."

The World Health Organization's (WHO) inclusion of "gaming disorder" (GD) in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), released in October 2016, was a landmark moment. Defined by impaired control over gaming, prioritizing gaming over other life activities, and continuing despite negative consequences, GD has sparked considerable debate among experts and within the gaming community.

In response to the ICD-11 draft, some scholars have voiced concerns, arguing that the evidence base for GD is still immature. They fear that its inclusion could negatively impact the lives of millions of healthy gamers. They suggest that diagnosis might not accurately identify true problem cases. This perspective has fueled discussions about whether GD should be recognized as a distinct disorder.

This article dives into the debate, particularly highlighting the arguments in favor of including GD in ICD-11. By examining clinical experiences and research implications, it aims to provide a balanced view on a complex issue. Understanding the different perspectives is crucial for anyone interested in the intersection of gaming, mental health, and public policy.

Why Recognize Gaming Disorder? A Clinical Perspective

Digital illustration of a person overwhelmed by screens representing video games, symbolizing the challenges of gaming disorder.

The debate around gaming disorder often centers on whether excessive gaming is simply a hobby or a genuine mental health concern. Clinicians working directly with individuals struggling with gaming-related issues offer unique insights into the severity and impact of these problems.

One such perspective comes from a specialist treatment facility for Internet addiction (IA) in Japan. Data collected at this center reveals several key points:

The majority of treatment seekers are addicted to online games.
Symptoms are often quite severe, significantly impacting daily life.
There is a significant demand for IA treatment, indicating a real need for specialized services.

These findings underscore the potential benefits of including GD criteria in ICD-11. Recognition can lead to increased capacity for treatment, drive advances in research, and potentially influence national medical systems to better address treatment demand. Without formal recognition, systemic obstacles can hinder the delivery of necessary medical services.

The Path Forward: Balancing Recognition with Responsible Diagnosis

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that individuals with genuine gaming-related problems receive the support they need, without pathologizing healthy gamers. By carefully defining diagnostic criteria and promoting responsible research, we can strike a balance that benefits both individuals and society as a whole. Recognizing gaming disorder in ICD-11 is a step towards achieving this crucial balance, paving the way for improved treatment, greater awareness, and a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of gaming in the digital age.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1556/2006.6.2017.049, Alternate LINK

Title: Inclusion Of Gaming Disorder Criteria In Icd-11: A Clinical Perspective In Favor

Subject: Psychiatry and Mental health

Journal: Journal of Behavioral Addictions

Publisher: Akademiai Kiado Zrt.

Authors: Susumu Higuchi, Hideki Nakayama, Satoko Mihara, Masaki Maezono, Takashi Kitayuguchi, Takuma Hashimoto

Published: 2017-09-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is Gaming Disorder (GD) according to the ICD-11, and why has its inclusion sparked debate?

According to the ICD-11, Gaming Disorder (GD) is characterized by impaired control over gaming, prioritizing gaming over other life activities, and continuing gaming despite negative consequences. Its inclusion has sparked debate because some experts argue that the evidence base for GD is still immature and that its inclusion could negatively impact the lives of millions of healthy gamers. Concerns exist that diagnoses might not accurately identify genuine problem cases, potentially leading to over-diagnosis and unnecessary treatment.

How do clinicians view Gaming Disorder, and what evidence supports their perspective?

Clinicians often view Gaming Disorder as a genuine mental health concern based on their direct experiences with individuals struggling with gaming-related issues. Evidence from treatment facilities, such as the one in Japan specializing in Internet addiction (IA), indicates that the majority of treatment seekers are addicted to online games, their symptoms are often severe and significantly impact daily life, and there is a significant demand for specialized services. These observations highlight the potential benefits of including GD criteria in the ICD-11 to facilitate treatment and research.

What are the potential benefits of recognizing Gaming Disorder in the ICD-11?

Recognizing Gaming Disorder in the ICD-11 can lead to increased capacity for treatment, drive advances in research, and potentially influence national medical systems to better address treatment demand. Without formal recognition, systemic obstacles can hinder the delivery of necessary medical services. Furthermore, it can raise awareness among healthcare professionals, gamers, and the general public, fostering a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of gaming and its potential impact on mental health. Formal recognition could lead to increased funding for research and the development of evidence-based treatments.

What are some of the concerns raised about including Gaming Disorder in the ICD-11, and how can these be addressed?

Concerns raised about including Gaming Disorder in the ICD-11 include the immature evidence base and the potential for misdiagnosis and pathologizing healthy gamers. To address these concerns, it is crucial to carefully define diagnostic criteria and promote responsible research to ensure that only individuals with genuine gaming-related problems receive treatment. Balancing recognition with responsible diagnosis is essential to avoid negatively impacting the lives of healthy gamers while providing support for those who truly need it. This could involve developing more specific and sensitive diagnostic tools and training clinicians to accurately identify GD while ruling out other potential causes of excessive gaming.

How does recognizing Gaming Disorder in the ICD-11 contribute to balancing the benefits and risks associated with gaming in the digital age?

Recognizing Gaming Disorder in the ICD-11 is a step towards achieving a crucial balance, paving the way for improved treatment, greater awareness, and a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of gaming in the digital age. By formally acknowledging GD, healthcare systems can better allocate resources, develop treatment protocols, and conduct research to understand the underlying mechanisms and risk factors associated with problematic gaming behavior. This recognition also encourages responsible gaming practices and promotes a more informed discussion about the potential impact of gaming on mental health, ultimately benefiting both individuals and society as a whole.