Main content

Gaming disorder: What are the signs to look for?

How can you overcome a video game addiction?

The World Health Organisation now officially recognises gaming disorder as a mental health condition - when someone鈥檚 gaming behaviour becomes so severe that it takes precedence over other interests.

Symptoms include losing control over the amount of time playing, prioritising gaming over other interests and responsibilities and continuing to game despite negative consequences.

But how do you know when you鈥檙e addicted to gaming? And how can you overcome it?

The Director of the National Centre for Gaming Disorders in the UK, Professor Henrietta Bowden-Jones joins us to explain more about gaming disorder and how she helps patients overcome it, and two gamers in recovery share how much better they feel after getting help.

Kerry Allen, our China Media Analyst, also takes us through how China is dealing with under 18s gaming.

If you鈥檝e been affected by any of the issues in this episode please contact support organisations in your own country. Or, if you live in the UK, please check out bbc.co.uk/actionline

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Kevyah Cardoso, Emily Horler and Hayley Clarke
Editor: Verity Wilde

Available now

16 minutes

Last on

Tuesday 03:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Last Monday 18:50GMT
  • Tuesday 03:50GMT

Podcast