Expert appraisal of criteria for assessing gaming disorder: an international Delphi study

Background and aims Following the recognition of ‘internet gaming disorder’ (IGD) as a condition requiring further study by DSM-5, ‘gaming (GD) was officially included diagnostic entity World Health Organization (WHO) in 11th revision International Classification Diseases (ICD-11). However, proposed criteria for disorder remain subject debate, there has been no systematic attempt to integrate views different groups experts. To achieve more agreement on this new disorder, employed Delphi expert consensus method obtain validity, clinical utility prognostic value DSM-5 ICD-11 guidelines GD. Methods A total 29 international experts with and/or research experience GD completed three iterative rounds survey. Experts rated progressive until pre-determined level achieved. Results For IGD criteria, an both that subset had high some (e.g. tolerance, deception) low value. Crucially, escapism/mood regulation, tolerance) were regarded incapable distinguishing between problematic non-problematic gaming. In contrast, (except criterion relating diminished non-gaming interests) judged presenting Conclusions This survey provides foundation identifying most diagnostically valid clinically useful There not relevant may pathologize patterns gaming, whereas are likely diagnose adequately avoid pathologizing.