DSM-5 Criteria for Internet Gaming Disorder

The DSM-5 considers Internet Gaming Disorder as a pattern of excessive online gaming leading to significant impairment or distress. It involves persistent and recurrent gaming that dominates life, persists despite problems, and continues despite negative consequences. Usually, at least five of the following are present over 12 months: preoccupation with gaming, withdrawal symptoms when not playing, a tolerance increase needing more gaming, unsuccessful attempts to control gaming, loss of interest in other activities, continued gaming despite problems, deceiving others about gaming, using gaming to escape from problems, and risking or losing relationships or opportunities because of gaming.