pages of the industry-approved IDC. In 2013 it appeared in the DSM as a “condition for further study” The American Psychiatric Association called it “Internet Gaming Disorder”, but the decision drew ire from gamers who felt the inclusion in the DSM labeled their hobby as intrinsically harmful.
Psychologists also felt that the suggestion of comparing substance abuse to gaming was misleading as games don’t incite physical reactions like tolerance and withdrawal the way controlled substances do. The World Health Organization learned from its predecessors and included online and offline gaming activities in the diagnosis. This inclusion coupled with the aforementioned three diagnostic features got the condition approved for inclusion in June 2018.
Parents, if you feel your child might be suffering from gaming disorder please take them to a psychologist or mental health professional for further diagnosis. No need to ring the alarm just yet. Video games have been proven to also be great stress relievers and tools for education. The key is to instill balance and lessons in reality vs the video game world.
Daunte Henderson, founder of the MADEMAN Foundation, author, and educator based in Chicago. You can follow him at @brotherhenderson on IG