I dont know whether to laugh or be ashamed about this.  A report prepared for the American Medical Association had sought strongly to encourage that video-game addiction be included in a diagnostic manual of psychiatric illnesses.  In the report, they are saying shit like ..."Internet role-playing games involving multiple players, which can suck kids into an online fantasy world, are the most problematic",  While a chief of child and adolescent psychiatry says "The behavior that looks like addiction in video-game players may be a symptom of social anxiety, depression or another psychiatric problem."  In response to the report, other sources are jumping on the bandwagon and quoting pediatricians saying "It turns out that Internet addiction can be almost identical to other forms of chemical addictions.  Some people's brains are simply wired in a way that makes them vulnerable to addiction. Whether it's alcohol, cocaine or even the computer, quitting causes withdrawal. They can experience all kinds of uncomfortable physical sensations when they try to cut back on their Internet use.".

Well, its not going to happen any time soon.  In response to the AMA reports and news coverage, the American Psychiatric Association have released a statement stressing the rigorous process involved in revising its diagnostic manual and the need for more research.   "Since the current edition, DSM-IV-TR, does not list “video game addiction,” the APA does not consider “video game addiction” to be a mental disorder at this time. If the science warrants it, this proposed disorder will be considered for inclusion in DSM-V, which is due to be published in 2012. Revising DSM requires a years-long, rigorous process – one that is transparent and open to suggestions from our colleagues in the medical and mental health communities and the public."

If you cant wait until 2012 to be diagnosed for this disease, we here at 3-PG care about your mental health and offer you some solutions for your gaming addiction.

OLGANON - On-Line Gamers Anonymous, a twelve-step, self-help organization and web site dedicated to helping those addicted to computer/video/console/on-line games.

How To Level Your Real-Life Character -  Blog to empower those who have let their MMORPG gaming addiction take over their lives. It is also for people who have friends or loved ones that are lost to this type of addiction.