Do gaming disorder and hazardous gaming belong in the ICD-11? Considerations regarding the death of a hospitalized patient that was reported to have occurred while a care provider was gaming

J Behav Addict. 2018 Jun 1;7(2):206-207. doi: 10.1556/2006.7.2018.42. Epub 2018 May 23.

Abstract

There has been much debate regarding the extent to which different types and patterns of gaming may be considered harmful from individual and public health perspectives. A recent event in which a hospitalized patient was reported to have died while a care provider was gaming is worth considering as an example as to how gaming may distract individuals from work-related tasks or other activities, with potential negative consequences. As the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases is being developed, events like these are important to remember when considering entities like, and generating criteria for, disordered or hazardous gaming.

Keywords: International Classification of Diseases; Internet gaming disorder; addiction; addictive behaviors; behavioral addictions; hazardous gaming.

MeSH terms

  • Behavior, Addictive / diagnosis*
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • International Classification of Diseases*
  • Internet*
  • Malpractice
  • Professional Misconduct
  • Terminology as Topic
  • Video Games*

Grants and funding

Funding sources: This work was conducted with support from the National Center for Responsible Gaming. The content of the manuscript does not necessarily reflect the views of any of the funding agencies.