The draft wording of its diagnostic manual says someone has a gaming disorder if ‘gaming takes precedence over other life interests’. The unhealthy behaviour will have had to continue for at least a year before diagnosis is confirmed. The agency has not listed other conditions linked to technology, such as so-called smartphone or internet addiction, due to a lack of evidence they are ‘real disorders’. However the New Scientist quoted Vladimir Poznyak, at the WHO’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse as saying: ‘Health professionals need to recognise that gaming disorder may have serious health consequences. ‘Most people who...