Gaming disorder is a recognised condition in the World Health Organization’s ICD-11 classification. It involves persistent or recurrent gaming behaviour that becomes difficult to control, takes priority over other important activities and continues despite significant harm. Enjoying games or spending many hours gaming does not by itself mean that a person has the disorder.
Possible warning signs
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop gaming
- Gaming taking priority over sleep, education, work, relationships or self-care
- Continuing despite clear physical, emotional, social or financial consequences
- Marked distress, conflict or loss of functioning linked to gaming
- A pattern that persists over time rather than a brief period of enthusiasm
For diagnosis, the pattern must cause significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or another important area. It is normally evident for at least 12 months, although a clinician may diagnose it sooner when symptoms are severe.
Assessment
A healthcare or mental health professional should consider the person’s overall functioning, not only screen time. Assessment may also explore depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, sleep problems, bullying, loneliness, substance use and family stress. These issues can contribute to harmful gaming or require treatment in their own right.
Support and treatment
Helpful steps can include regular sleep and meal routines, planned breaks, keeping devices out of the bedroom and rebuilding offline activities and relationships. Treatment may involve cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational approaches and family support, tailored to age and individual needs.
A confrontational ban can sometimes increase conflict and does not address underlying problems. Clear collaborative boundaries and professional support are usually more useful when gaming is causing serious impairment.
When to seek urgent help
Seek professional help when gaming is seriously affecting health, education, work, relationships or basic self-care. Get urgent mental health or emergency help if there are suicidal thoughts, serious self-neglect, aggression that creates immediate danger, psychosis or an inability to care for basic needs.
Sources
Reviewed: 28 August 2026