Behind the screen: Understanding gaming disorders and approaches to treatment

Gaming Disorder (GD) is recognised by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), yet few specialist diagnostic or treatment services exist. To address this gap in health care provision, the UK’s National Centre for Gaming Disorders (NCGD) opened its doors in October 2019. This paper aims to provide an overview of GD, the approaches taken by the clinic to assessing, diagnosing, and treating gaming disorder, to develop the evidence base and progress the debate on how this new disorder is approached clinically. It presents two adult cases diagnosed and in treatment with the NCGD and discusses their current position in treatment. Reflections from treating GD over the last five years are conveyed.