Gaming Disorder: Signs and Support

Gaming disorder is a recognised health condition, not just a label for someone who plays a lot. The World Health Organization (WHO) includes it in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), which came into effect in 2022. It describes a pattern of gaming where a person has impaired control over it, gives it increasing priority over other interests and daily activities, and carries on or escalates despite negative consequences. The WHO stresses that it affects only a small proportion of people who play games. Here’s how to tell the difference between enthusiasm and a problem, and where to find help.

How the WHO defines gaming disorder

In ICD-11, gaming disorder (code 6C51) is characterised by:

1. Impaired control over gaming: when to start, how often, how long and when to stop.
2. Increasing priority given to gaming, to the point that it takes precedence over other interests and daily activities.
3. Continuation or escalation of gaming despite negative consequences.

For a diagnosis, the pattern must be severe enough to cause significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, work or other important areas of life, and it would normally be evident for at least 12 months. A shorter period can apply if all the features are present and symptoms are severe. ICD-11 also describes hazardous gaming: a pattern that increases the risk of harm without meeting the threshold for a disorder.

Passion or problem?

One or two of these on their own don’t mean a disorder. What matters is a lasting pattern that causes real harm.

Signs to look for

• Losing track of time regularly, well beyond what was intended
• Sleep problems: gaming late into the night, tiredness during the day
• Falling behind at school or work, or missing commitments
• Withdrawing from family, friends and activities once enjoyed
• Mood changes: irritability, anger or low mood when gaming is limited
• Neglecting basics such as meals, hygiene or exercise
• Hiding or lying about how much time or money goes into gaming
• Using games to escape stress, loneliness or low mood, over and over

Some people who struggle with gaming also experience anxiety, depression or attention difficulties, and it isn’t always clear which came first. That’s one reason a professional assessment helps.

Quick self-check

Ask yourself, honestly, over the past year:

• Have I tried to cut down and found I couldn’t?
• Has gaming become more important than things I used to care about?
• Have I kept going even when it caused problems with sleep, school, work, money or people?
• Have these problems been serious and lasting?

If you answer yes to several, it’s worth talking to someone. Our phone addiction self-check uses a similar approach for smartphones.

What helps

• Track your time for a week without changing anything, to see the real pattern.
• Set limits in advance, using console, PC or phone settings; our guides to Screen Time on iPhone and Digital Wellbeing on Android show how.
• Protect sleep: no gaming in the hour before bed, and keep consoles out of the bedroom where possible; see screen time and sleep.
• Remove spending triggers: turn off saved payment methods and set spending limits.
• Replace, don’t just remove: plan activities that offer challenge, progress and social connection, such as sport, music or clubs.
• Tell someone what you’re trying to change, so you have support.

For parents and partners

• Stay curious, not angry. Ask what they enjoy about the game before talking about limits.
• Agree rules together, such as game-time windows and device-free meals. A written family tech agreement can help.
• Use family settings on consoles and app stores for time and spending limits.
• Watch for bigger changes in mood, sleep or school, rather than just hours played.

Where to get support

• A GP or family doctor can assess you, look at other health issues and discuss referral options.
• In England, the NHS National Centre for Gaming Disorders offers specialist help; ask your GP about how to be referred.
• Talking therapies, particularly cognitive behavioural approaches, are commonly used for problematic gaming. If you’re in the UK and want to see a therapist privately, this guide to finding a registered counsellor in the UK explains how to check credentials.
• Gambling-style spending: if loot boxes or in-game purchases feel like gambling, gambling support services may also help.

If gaming problems come with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek help urgently: in the UK, call 999 or Samaritans on 116 123; in the US, call or text 988.

Frequently asked questions

Is gaming disorder a real diagnosis?

Yes. The WHO includes gaming disorder in ICD-11, which came into effect in 2022. In the American DSM-5, internet gaming disorder is listed as a condition needing further research.

How many hours of gaming is too much?

There’s no set number. Gaming disorder is defined by loss of control and harm to daily life, not by hours alone.

Can gaming disorder be treated?

Yes. Support usually involves talking therapy, practical changes to routines and devices, and help for any related issues such as anxiety or low mood.