ゲーム症（障害）とは、ICD-11で初めて定義された疾患であり、持続的または反復的なゲーム行動によって特徴付けられます。この障害は、ゲームをすることに対する制御の喪失や、他の生活上の利益や活動よりもゲームを優先する傾向、否定的な結果があるにもかかわらずゲームの使用が持続することなどが特徴です。ICD-11では、オンラインでのゲームプレイに焦点を当てた「主にオンライン」、オフラインでのゲームプレイに焦点を当てた「主にオフライン」、そして特定できない場合の「特定不能」の3つの下位分類があります。
ゲーム症は、個人的、家庭的、社会的、学業的、職業的な機能領域において著しい障害をもたらすほど重篤であり、通常少なくとも12ヶ月間にわたってその行動様式が明らかであることが診断基準とされています。ICD-11におけるこの診断は、ゲーム症に苦しむ人々に対する予防や治療の重要性を強調しています。
一方、DSM-5（APA）では、インターネットゲーム障害（Internet Gaming Disorder）が提案されており、この障害はインターネット上でのゲームプレイに特に焦点を当てています。この診断基準は、臨床的に意味のある機能障害や苦痛を引き起こす持続的かつ反復的なゲームプレイに関連するさまざまな症状に焦点を当てています。
これらの診断基準は、ゲーム活動に関連する健康上の問題に対処するための手段として開発されましたが、過度なゲームプレイが障害であるかどうかを判断する際には、専門家の評価が不可欠です。
Gaming disorder, as defined by the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11), published in June 2018 and adopted in May 2019 by the World Health Organization (WHO), marks the first inclusion of "Gaming disorder" in a disease classification. It falls under the category of "Disorders due to addictive behaviors" and "Impulse control disorders".
ICD-11 describes three subtypes of Gaming disorder:
- Gaming disorder, predominantly online
- Gaming disorder, predominantly offline
- Gaming disorder, unspecified
Description according to ICD-11:
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).
It involves impaired control over gaming, such as onset, frequency, intensity, duration, termination, and context. Increasing priority given to gaming over other life interests and daily activities. Continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences. The pattern of behavior is of sufficient severity to result in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
The pattern of gaming behavior may be continuous or episodic and recurrent.
Both the gaming behavior and other features are normally evident for at least 12 months in order to meet the diagnosis criteria. However, the required duration may be shortened if all diagnostic requirements are met and symptoms are severe.
Exclusions:
- Hazardous gaming
- Bipolar I disorder
- Bipolar II disorder
Hazardous gaming, as mentioned in exclusions, refers to patterns of gaming behavior, either online or offline, that significantly increase the risk of harmful physical or mental health effects on the individual or others around them, despite often being aware of the increased risk to themselves or others.
ICD-11 "Disorders due to addictive behaviors" includes four classifications:
- Gambling disorder
- Gaming disorder
- Other specified disorders due to addictive behaviors
- Disorders due to addictive behaviors, unspecified
The inclusion of Gaming disorder in ICD-11 reflects the consensus reached by experts from various academic disciplines and regions who participated in WHO's technical consultations during the ICD-11 development process. This decision was based on a review of available evidence and aims to address the increasing concern among healthcare professionals regarding the risks associated with Gaming disorder, leading to the development of treatment programs for individuals with similar health conditions worldwide and increasing awareness of prevention and treatment.