SHOULD 'VIDEOGAME ADDICTION' BE IN DSM-IV AND IC10?

Presented by Jack Kuo

For timing: see programme on home page

Sponsored by Promises Malibu

In June 2007, the American Medical Association (AMA) Council on Science and Public Health voted on whether or not to consider “videogame addiction” a formal diagnosis. 

After much controversy, the AMA ultimately determined that further research was necessary before a decision could be made and urged the American Psychiatric Association (APA) to consider including the diagnosis in the next edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.  This might eventually also lead to inclusion in the World Health Organisation's IC-10 International Classification.

This presentation will examine the existing evidence for and against consideration of “videogame addiction” as a formal diagnosis.

 EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this presentation participants will be able to describe:

1. The extent to which “videogame addiction” conforms to currently accepted scientific definitions of addiction.

2. The epidemiology of “videogame addiction.”

3. Proposed diagnostic criteria for “videogame addiction.”

4. Existing and suggested modalities for treatment of “videogame addiction.”

5. The evidence-based support for inclusion of “videogame addiction” as a formal diagnosis.