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Experts Oppose Classifying Gaming Addiction As Mental Disorder

Posted by Zonk on from the we're-all-just-folks-here dept.

News.com reports that despite earlier rumblings that addiction to videogames could be classified a mental disorder similar to alcoholism, experts have stepped back from that analysis. The decision by the AMA is that psychiatrists should make further efforts to study the phenomenon, while addiction experts strongly opposed the idea at the organization's annual meeting. "Even before debate on the subject began, the committee that made the proposal backed away from its position, and instead recommended that the American Psychiatric Association consider the change when it revises its next diagnostic manual in 5 years. The psychiatrist group has said if the science warrants, it could be considered for inclusion in the next diagnostic manual, which will be published in 2012. While occasional use of video games is harmless and may even help with some disorders like autism, doctors said in extreme cases it can interfere with day-to-day necessities like working, showering or even eating."

8 of 301 comments (clear)

  1. Eating ... by Umbral+Blot · · Score: 3, Funny

    Eating ... curses! I knew I forgot to do something today.

    --

    Philosophy.
    1. Re:Eating ... by ErroneousBee · · Score: 4, Funny

      it can interfere with day-to-day necessities like working, showering or even eating.

      At least it doesn't interfere with bathroom breaks.

      Well, it hasn't since I had the catheter put in.

      --
      **TODO** Steal someone elses sig.
    2. Re:Eating ... by D-Cypell · · Score: 5, Funny

      Personally, I dont know what the hell they are talking about... of course I eat!! I have level 225 in cooking! What they think I am just going to *wait* for my HP to regen??

  2. Having a baby too... by dargaud · · Score: 4, Funny

    Having a baby too can interfere with day-to-day necessities like working, showering or even eating. That's why I think it's a mental disorder !

    --
    Non-Linux Penguins ?
  3. Re:indeed by Timesprout · · Score: 4, Funny

    I can stop whenever I want.
    I could't but fortunately I was able to beat my sex addiction because every woman I approached helped out by refusing to have sex with me.
    --
    Do not try to read the dupe, thats impossible. Instead, only try to realize the truth
    What truth?
    There is no dupe
  4. Re:Bah! by Mr2cents · · Score: 4, Funny

    Bah! Since when is showering a necessity? My thought exactly. Since I stopped wasting time showering, not only I can play RTCW ET 20 minutes more each day, but I always have room on the bus too. And playing on my PSP is so much more comfortable while sitting.

    Those scientists are nuts.
    --
    "It's too bad that stupidity isn't painful." - Anton LaVey
  5. Re:Gaming addiction = Gambling addiction by Dachannien · · Score: 3, Funny

    Supposedly, there was an experiment done a long time ago where they wired up a mouse's brain - specifically, an area heavily involved with sexual pleasure and orgasm - to a button. Once the mouse found the button and pressed it, it continued pressing the button repeatedly until it died of dehydration.

    As I recall, the experiment was called "Diablo" ;)

  6. Re:Gambling? by suv4x4 · · Score: 4, Funny

    I admit it. I'm addicted to gaming. There's nothing I'd rather be doing. [...] Do I think I need help? No.

    Woooohoooo! Denial, laugh at him! Laugh at the addict! Huhuhu...

    Ok I'm sorry about this post but I just can't get the day pass by without insulting someone on the Internet. I don't know what's with that, it's like a little personal mania. Makes me feel better.

    And the post number. I had 2300 posts. No: no that they're many posts, but the "23". Anyone ever noticed how everywhere we turn to there's always 23 chasing us? When you notice it, you need to disrupt it as quick as possible, you JUST HAVE TO. So I wanted to make them 2301 posts.

    Sometimes I think about this so much I need to drink myself to sleep. Which reminds me, I'm out of smokes. I need to get some on the way back from the casino, but the problem is I never walk out of the casino before I've spent all my money and bet the wife, house and the dog.