WHO classifies, gaming disorder has three main characteristics. According to experts, game addiction is similar to the use of illicit substance and gambling.
"One of them, the behavior of patients who prefer the game more than other activities," said Dr. Vladimir Poznyak from the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse WHO.
Meanwhile, two other characteristics are the inability to control themselves over the game and keep playing games despite knowing there are negative consequences caused by most games. For example, disturbed sleep patterns, digestive problems, and lack of physical activity.
WHO does not necessarily classify the game addiction as a mental problem. The world health agency under the auspices of the United Nations has been researching the behavior of a drug addict for at least 12 months before determining it as a mental health problem.
"This decision is not taken within a few hours or several days," Poznyak asserted.
Nevertheless, Poznyak calls the game addiction only to a handful of people.
Just to be known, game addiction has not been recognized as a mental health problem by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Previously, APA called for a lot of research and clinical trials before considering game addiction as a mental health problem.
