WORLDWIDE — According to World Health Organization, playing video games too much will soon be classified as a mental health disorder.

The WHO’s International Classification of Diseases-11 Beta Draft, which was updated Monday, says a gaming disorder “is characterized by a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behavior (‘digital gaming’ or ‘video-gaming’), which may be online (i.e., over the internet) or offline.”

A Forbes magazine article says its inclusion in the draft means it will soon be classified as a health condition.

From the report, the disorder presents itself in the following ways:

  • Impaired control over gaming (e.g., onset, frequency, intensity, duration, termination, context).

  • Increasing priority given to gaming to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities.

  • Continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.

Do you have a problem or know someone else who does?  WHO's report claims "gaming behaviour and other features are normally evident over a period of at least 12 months in order for a diagnosis to be assigned."