The scientific bar for inclusion will be held high, stressed Nancy M. Petry, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry at the University of Connecticut, Farmington.
Even with an extensive database of studies, consistency is lacking in the characterization of Internet gaming as a potentially diagnosable addiction, with prevalence estimates, for example, ranging from 0.9% to 64%, she said.
“Until we can better define what this addiction is, it doesn't seem like it's ready yet,” Dr. Petry said.
“Are we going to end up with chocolate addiction in DSM-6?”
The working group members disclosed no relevant financial conflicts of interest with regard to the DSM-5.