Are you a gamer?  Do you spend hours online or Xbox or Playstation, talking to lots of people through one of those headsets?  You could have something called "Gaming Disorder".  Gaming Disorder is officially recognized now by the WHO (World Health Organization) and is seen as another form of addictive behavior, similar to people addicted to drugs, gambling, porn and other vices.

Considered a "disorder due to behavior", you could have this disorder if you have the following attributes:

1. Persistent or reoccurring gaming behavior online or offline

2. Impaired control over gaming

3. Increasing priority of gaming over everything else in your life

4. Lack of interests in everyday life activities

5. Escalation of gaming even when presented with negative consequences

Some additional signs include :

  • Significant weight gain or weight loss.
  • Sleep disruptions.
  • Mood changes.
  • Sleep deprivation.
  • Avoiding friends and family members.
  • Lying about the time spent playing video games.
  • Skipping meals.
  • Poor work performance.
  • Poor academic performance.

Although the AMA (American Medical Association) hasn't recognized it yet, it's been a serious discussion for years. The gaming industry isn't happy about the designation and vows to continue to fight the effort to designate it as a medical or mental condition with the AMA or The American Psychiatric Association.

Do  you recognize any of the signs of Gaming Disorder in yourself or maybe your kids?  Check here for tips

I guess we can add this to the list of things we need to watch our for.  I miss the days, when it was just Mario Bros and Sonic The Hedgehog.

 

 

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