JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The Eleventh Edition of International Classification of Disease (ICD-11) newly enlisted gaming disorder, including Internet gaming disorder (IGD), as a disease. The level of awareness and potential positive/negative impacts of this medicalization among adolescents were unknown.

Objective:

This study investigated the levels, associated factors, and potential positive/negative impacts of awareness of the medicalization of IGD among adolescents in China.

Methods:

In a cross-sectional survey, 1,343 middle school students in Guangzhou, China self-administered an anonymous questionnaire in classrooms (10-12/2019). Three risk subgroups were identified: those scored ≥5 items in the DMS-5 checklist (IGD-S), self-perceived having IGD currently (IGD-PC), and self-perceived going to have IGD in 12 months (IGD-P12M).

Results:

Of the Internet gamers (n=952), 48.3% were aware of the medicalization of IGD; they were more likely to belong to the IGD-P12M/IGD-S risk subgroups. Within the IGD-PC/IGD-P12M (but not IGD-S) risk subgroups, IGD medicalization awareness was positively associated with favorable outcomes (reduced Internet gaming time in the past 12 months, seeking help from professionals if having IGD, and fewer maladaptive cognitions). After being briefed about the ICD-11 inclusion of IGD, 54.2% and 32.8% expressed that it would lead to the reduction of gaming time and help-seeking behaviors; 14.5%-21.5%, however, perceived some negative consequences (self-doubt being diseased, stronger pressure from family members, negative emotional responses, and labeling effect). With a few exceptions, such perceived positive/negative impacts were stronger among the IGD-S/IGD-PC/IGD-P12M risk subgroups.

Conclusions:

The exploratory study shows that the medicalization of IGD may have both benefits that need maximization, and potentially harmful effects that need minimization. Future studies should test the efficacies of health promotion that increases IGD medicalization awareness.