게임사용장애의 국제질병분류체계 11차 개정판 등재의 배경과 정당성

Background and Justification of the Inclusion of the Gaming Disorder in the 11th Edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11)

After reporting extreme cases, such as sudden death related to excessive use of games, reports of addictive use of games and related health problems have been accumulating. The World Health Organization (WHO) conducted a public health response to health problems related to excessive use of digital devices and, as a result, “gaming disorder” has been included as an addictive disorder in the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases to be applied from 2022. The disease classification of the gaming disorder means that the world must monitor, prevent, and treat the health problems related to the addictive use of games in a standardized manner. These decisions are based on sufficient scientific and clinical grounds for conceptualizing the addictive use of games, and the proposed diagnostic guidelines are also key criteria covering substance and behavioral addiction. Despite controversy regarding detailed diagnosis criteria, widespread consensus exists on the public health-related harm associated with the addictive use of games. Thus, the practical discussions are needed to effectively apply the WHO’s decision regarding the country rather than the consumptive controversy.