We are yet to address the issue of online gamesy

WHO: Yatan Pal Singh Balhara, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and In-charge, Behavioural Addictions Clinic, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi

WHAT: WHO has listed gaming disorder as a mental health condition, especially in the backdrop of Blue Whale challenge that saw a number of deaths.

WHY: The inclusion of gaming disorders in the International Classification of Diseases by WHO gives validity to the diagnosis, which was being questioned till now. It acknowledges the existence of a pattern of gaming that is beyond control, and likely to have adverse consequences. While it is possible to engage in "gaming" and not suffer from the disorder, those suffering from pathological pattern of gaming can be offered appropriate intervention. The WHO definition, however, does not include games like Blue Whale challenge where the gamer has to take up "tasks" instead of crossing "levels". Thankfully, we do not hear a lot about the Blue Whale challenge these days, but that doesn't mean it has disappeared or may not come back in another avatar.