Gaming Disorder Now Officially Recognized As an Illness

Gaming Disorder is now officially pathological

The press office of the state government in South Tyrol officially announced that those affected should now receive more help from the state. It was a prerequisite for recognizing gaming disorder as an official form of addiction. Only now can players in need of help be exempt from paying their own costs through so-called tickets. The reason for the decision is the ever-increasing demand, especially from families.

Who are those affected?

Many calls for help come from families and revolve around their own children and young people who grew up with games, technology and a wide variety of media. By now, almost every young person is used to having millions of contents at their fingertips. It was only a matter of time before the dangers and consequences became visible. In South Tyrol the government and authorities have now felt compelled to act.

How do you recognize gaming disorder?

Nine indicators are used and examined to diagnose gaming disorder. In order to recognize computer game addiction, we look, for example, at whether games are a dominant activity in everyday life or whether withdrawal symptoms occur during breaks from gaming. But it is also about a loss of control over one's own consumption, a loss of interest in everyday life or activities from school to work. It is also a warning signal if gaming endangers interpersonal relationships in real life.

Dramatic consequences

Damage to interpersonal relationships in real life is just one of many possible consequences for those affected. As an addictive disease, gaming disorder is also characterized by the fact that consumption is kept secret and secret. Or continued even though serious consequences have long since occurred, which can also be of a financial nature, for example, since microtransactions are becoming increasingly widespread.

The international situation

Internationally, gaming disorder is also receiving more and more recognition and is being brought into focus. In 2019, for example, it was recognized as such by the WHO, the World Health Organization, in the international classification of diseases. This means that gaming addiction in children and young people can be combated more quickly. This means that the costs of treatment measures can also be covered by statutory health insurance companies in India.

These treatment methods exist

Clinics have now begun to offer special consultation hours for those affected by gaming disorders. Anyone who struggles with computer gaming addiction often also has accompanying symptoms such as depression, anxiety disorders or even financial ones, which need to be combated and dealt with. If indicated, treatment can be supported with medication. Most of the time, the approaches are more in the area of behavioral therapies.

The numbers are skyrocketing

According to the state government in South Tyrol, the number of services provided in the context of behavioral addictions, which also includes gaming disorder, doubled in 2021. Approximately half of all applications for support related to various addictions in a digital context. Now we have to wait and see what the new classification as pathological playing with the numbers will do. It wouldn't be surprising if they continue to rise. Fortunately, the gambling authority is now ready for action. The OASIS (the database for those at risk of gambling addiction) is the right step in the right direction, but since the authority was launched, player protection has also enjoyed a higher priority.

Digital content with a risk of gambling addiction

When we talk about digital consumer goods, there is now a wide variety of offerings. There are Free2Play games that usually involve lots of microtransactions. A lot of money can quickly be spent on this form of digital content without a player even having to get up from the couch. Additionally, these offers are available around the clock. But even with paid games, no one is safe from microtransactions.

It's about profits

Anyone who plays Free2Play games should always keep one thing in mind: every game is about making profits, especially when there is no purchase price to pay. A few players who leave a lot of money on a Free2Play game help finance the vast majority. A free game is still a means to make money. By the way, purchasing microtransactions and opening loot boxes is often accompanied by fireworks.

A look into the future

The market is getting bigger and more confusing, while the customer base is also growing. For example, there are now eSports bets, which are a combination of gaming and betting. It's no longer just teenagers who play, but all age groups. It is always advisable to read the fine print and find out what costs you will incur before installing. Anyone who invests money in microtransactions should also set limits - just like with gambling. Young people in particular need to be closely monitored. The challenge of combating gaming disorders is becoming ever greater. Especially when gambling, players should make sure that it is legal online casinos because they work much more closely with player protection authorities.

Gaming Disorder now officially recognized as an illness