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Internet gaming is a mental disorder, World Health Organization says

The World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases manual now includes "gaming disorder" for those addicted to playing video games.

What do anxiety, alcoholism and gaming have in common? They can all be found in the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Classification of Diseases (ICD) manual.

That's right - "gaming disorder" is now recognized as a diagnosable condition.

However, before rushing to dispose of the nearest Xbox, let's clarify what this means. WHO defines the disorder as a "pattern of gaming" that severely impairs a person's "personal, family, social, educational, occupation or other important areas of functioning" over a period of at least 12 months.

In other words: Gaming comes first, everything else comes second.

The Entertainment Software Association reported more than 150 million Americans play video games, with 60-percent of Americans playing daily.

Luckily for those 150 million, the WHO stated gaming disorder affects only a small percentage of people who engage in digital or video gaming activities.

Though the term's recent promotion to the ICD manual should signify its legitimacy, many people have shared their dubious responses to the news on twitter.

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