How Some Countries Treat Gaming Addiction as a Disease

Gambling addiction, often characterized by excessive and impaired control over gaming behavior, has become a growing problem worldwide. The classification ...

of gambling addiction as a disease varies from country to country due to differences in cultural attitudes toward technology, mental health awareness, and healthcare systems. This blog post examines how some countries treat gambling addiction as a disease and highlights their approaches, legal implications, and public health strategies.

---

1. Classification in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
2. International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11)
3. South Korea's Stricter Stance
4. Education and Public Awareness
5. Legal Considerations and Therapies
6. The Role of Technology Companies
7. Research and Treatment Advancements
8. Comparing Global Perspectives
9. Conclusion: A Global Effort Required

---

1.) Classification in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

The most widely recognized classification of mental disorders is found in the DSM-5, which is used primarily in the United States. Gaming disorder was included as a new diagnosis in the fifth edition published in 2013. This reflects a growing acknowledgment and acceptance that excessive gaming can indeed be harmful and potentially addictive, much like substance addiction.

---

2.) International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11)

In contrast to the DSM-5, the World Health Organization's ICD-11 does not have a specific code for gaming disorder yet, but it includes "Disorders Due to Substance Use" and "Behavior Disorder Due to Substances," which could theoretically include problematic gaming under certain circumstances. This suggests that while there is growing consensus on recognizing excessive gaming as an issue, the classification remains somewhat fluid across different diagnostic manuals.

---

3.) South Korea's Stricter Stance

South Korea has been particularly proactive in addressing what they call "Game Addiction." The Korean Society of Medical Game Therapy even publishes a journal dedicated to research and treatment related to gaming addiction. The Korean government has implemented measures such as limiting the number of hours minors can spend playing online games, which led to significant backlash from the gaming community, but also highlighted the issue in public discourse.

---

4.) Education and Public Awareness

Many countries are investing in education programs and awareness campaigns about the risks associated with excessive gaming. This includes schools incorporating lessons on responsible gaming into their curriculum, mental health services offering counseling for those struggling with addiction, and media campaigns highlighting the signs of gaming addiction that might require professional help.

---

5.) Legal Considerations and Therapies

Some countries have laws regulating access to online games based on age or time spent playing. For example, in China, parents can apply to restrict their minor children's internet usage, including gaming times, while Singapore has a similar system for minors but also includes blocking of specific harmful games. Treatment options include cognitive-behavioral therapy and support groups tailored for individuals with gaming addiction concerns.

---

6.) The Role of Technology Companies

Tech giants have started to take responsibility by implementing features like screen time management tools within their devices, offering parental controls, or developing apps that limit access based on user settings. These initiatives reflect a shift in perspective where technology companies are seen as part of the solution rather than just profit-driven entities.

---

7.) Research and Treatment Advancements

As with any medical condition, research is crucial for understanding the causes and developing effective treatments. Countries that prioritize mental health research are likely to have better interventions available for gaming addiction. For instance, in Europe, there's a focus on multidisciplinary treatment approaches that integrate psychological therapies with social support and sometimes pharmacological interventions.

---

8.) Comparing Global Perspectives

While some countries lean towards strict regulation and medical intervention (like South Korea), others opt for more nuanced or community-based responses, focusing on education and prevention strategies rather than legal constraints. This diversity in approach highlights the need for culturally sensitive solutions that consider local contexts alongside universal health concerns.

---

9.) Conclusion: A Global Effort Required

Recognizing gaming addiction as a medical condition is crucial for raising awareness and providing appropriate interventions. However, this recognition also requires a nuanced understanding of how different cultural environments respond to mental health issues. As such, it's essential that public health strategies are flexible and culturally competent, allowing countries to tailor their responses according to the needs and realities of their citizens.

In conclusion, while some nations have taken proactive steps in addressing gaming addiction as a disease through legal frameworks and public awareness campaigns, others still grapple with defining what constitutes appropriate regulation for technological addictions. The future trajectory should involve more collaborative global efforts that not only tackle the symptoms but also seek to understand the root causes of these disorders, promoting healthier, balanced engagement with digital technologies in all parts of the world.

---

The Autor: ScamWatch / Zoe 2026-03-11