Why WHO wants to recognize the addiction to video games as a disease ?

axstokes/epictura

Published the 05.01.2018 at 19h01

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The international classification of diseases of WHO will be released in June, but it seems that the addiction to video games, that is to say, the ” online gambling problem “, makes a sensational entrance. This is what was announced a spokesperson of the instance, Friday, January 5, in Geneva. Almost 1 million French and French would suffer.
As with all drugs, it is the excess that is in question. Because the game, it is first of all a hobby, so a useful activity to balance social and psychological. Then we pass from the ” social game recreation “, ” gambling “, of which the balance sheet was rather negative, and then the game truly ” pathological “. And there, one understands well, that life becomes impossible.

Video games also have a positive impact

The level of recreational play, video games have consequences rather positive : they increase the size and effectiveness of brain areas associated with visio-spatial abilities, which can, for example, orientation in space, perceive objects in the environment, or to imagine an object that is physically absent. And this is not only for “gamers” experienced : these changes are observed even volunteers who have followed a training program of a few weeks.
On the functional side, video games develop, in particular, sustained attention and selective attention. Players are, therefore, more vigilant, and better to isolate the action of the environment, for example, listen to a conversation without distraction. All these profits are being used to retrain certain patients (such as STROKE, Alzheimer beginner….).

How does one become addict to video games ?

These benefits structural and functional are real, but they have a drawback : the video games can be addictive.
By acting on a different area of the brain, this time associated with the reward. They expose hard-core gamers to cravings irresistible, as is the case for other disorders addictive.
These cravings can be explained due to stimulation of the reward circuit in the brain and secretion of hormones of pleasure. Substances that quickly become indispensable… such As endorphins, these substances close to the morphine that secrete long-distance runners for less suffer, and which make them addicted to miles. It is true that the addiction to the game is less fast as with hard drugs, but it is real.

How to define pathological gambling ?

Pathological gambling manifests itself as a behavior persistent, or recurring, characterized by a control decreased compared to the game, an increasing priority given to the game vis-à-vis other activities, to such an extent that the game takes precedence over the interests and the daily spots. It is also evident by the fact you continue to play despite the occurrence of negative consequences to oneself and to those around her.
This definition serves as a guideline to the WHO in its classification of the new disease that is “online gambling problem” (Internet Gaming Disorder). It is the collapse of executive control, responsible for our choices and our decisions, that we can not give in to the cravings, the lack, which would be the lowest common denominator of all the scientific theories on addictions.

Fortunately, this addiction is treatable. It is the work of psychiatrists specialized, and in some hospitals, specialized services in these treatments. It is important to know that the pathological application of the aid in late, often at the stage of despair. This classification will help to make the diagnosis earlier and help them before the consequences-personal, professional and family drama.