Gaming disorder: current research directions

Research into gaming disorder (GD) is dynamic and growing, generating multiple new research directions. The present narrative review covers important recent studies of GD between 2019 and 2021, and addresses the following topics: (1) conceptualization, assessment, and prevalence, (2) comparison of GD frameworks proposed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, and the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision, (3) clinical studies, (4) neurobiological studies, (5) gambling elements in video games, and (6) impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on gaming and GD. The most important findings in these areas and study limitations are discussed, and future research directions are proposed