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An international consensus for assessing internet gaming disorder using the new DSM ‐5 approach
Author(s) -
Petry Nancy M.,
Rehbein Florian,
Gentile Douglas A.,
Lemmens Jeroen S.,
Rumpf HansJürgen,
Mößle Thomas,
Bischof Gallus,
Tao Ran,
Fung Daniel S. S.,
Borges Guilherme,
Auriacombe Marc,
González Ibáñez Angels,
Tam Philip,
O'Brien Charles P.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
addiction
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.424
H-Index - 193
eISSN - 1360-0443
pISSN - 0965-2140
DOI - 10.1111/add.12457
Subject(s) - the internet , addiction , internet addiction disorder , meaning (existential) , dsm 5 , psychology , field (mathematics) , psychiatry , psychotherapist , computer science , world wide web , mathematics , pure mathematics
Aims For the first time, the D iagnostic and S tatistical M anual for M ental D isorders ( DSM ‐5) introduces non‐substance addictions as psychiatric diagnoses. The aims of this paper are to (i) present the main controversies surrounding the decision to include internet gaming disorder, but not internet addiction more globally, as a non‐substance addiction in the research appendix of the DSM ‐5, and (ii) discuss the meaning behind the DSM ‐5 criteria for internet gaming disorder. The paper also proposes a common method for assessing internet gaming disorder. Although the need for common diagnostic criteria is not debated, the existence of multiple instruments reflect the divergence of opinions in the field regarding how best to diagnose this condition. Methods We convened international experts from E uropean, N orth and S outh A merican, A sian and A ustralasian countries to discuss and achieve consensus about assessing internet gaming disorder as defined within DSM ‐5. Results We describe the intended meaning behind each of the nine DSM ‐5 criteria for internet gaming disorder and present a single item that best reflects each criterion, translated into the 10 main languages of countries in which research on this condition has been conducted. Conclusions Using results from this cross‐cultural collaboration, we outline important research directions for understanding and assessing internet gaming disorder. As this field moves forward, it is critical that researchers and clinicians around the world begin to apply a common methodology; this report is the first to achieve an international consensus related to the assessment of internet gaming disorder.