Disorders due to addictive behaviours as new ICD-11 diagnoses

Abstract

Background: The inclusion of disorders due to behavioral addictions in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases and Related health Problems (ICD) by the World Health Organization (WHO) marks a significant milestone in the psychotherapeutic care of affected individuals. Method: This article provides a summary of the current evidence on the new ICD-11 category. Results: Behavioral addictions are classified alongside substance use disorders in the category “Disorders due to substance use or behavioral addictions.” Gaming disorder and gambling disorder are listed as distinct diagnoses and can encompass both online and offline behavior. Social networks use disorder, buying-shopping disorder and pornography use disorder are proposed as “other disorders due to behavioral addictions”. Fundamental treatment-relevant aspects of disorder development include addiction-related factors (especially intermittent reinforcement mechanisms), individual factors (predisposing variables, cognitive, affective and executive reactions to addiction-related stimuli) and environmental factors (risk factors in relevant living environments and the availability of technical devices). Support options for affected individuals can be categorized into counseling, outpatient and inpatient treatment as well as rehabilitation. Therapeutic goals and strategies include motivation-oriented approaches, behavioral and cognitive interventions, body-oriented interventions, skills training and supportive services through youth assistance, couples counseling, debt and social counseling. Conclusion: The incorporation of behavioral addictions into the ICD-11 provides a crucial foundation for the adequate care of affected individuals and their relatives.