LOS ANGELES, June 22 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. medical group's possible vote on whether video-game addiction could be classified as a mental disorder has drawn controversy, especially criticism from the entertainment software industry, a report said Friday.

    Despite lack of proven research, the American Medical Association may vote next week on recommending that game addiction be classified as an official diagnostic condition by the American Psychiatric Association, according to the San Jose Mercury News daily.

    Advocates of the move argue that video games can be every bit as addictive as nicotine and alcohol, with similar destructive effects on work and personal lives.

    Although major game publishers have made no public response, Michael Gallagher, president of the industry's trade group Entertainment Software Association issued a statement Thursday criticizing the AMA for "making premature conclusions without the benefit of complete and thorough data."

    And there is skepticism even among the AMA members considering the proposal. A member sitting on the committee that will evaluate the addiction said any conclusions need to have more studies to know for sure.

    Much of the AMA's proposal focuses on games' impact on children and the need to provide guidance and assistance to parents, pediatricians and teachers.

    Even if the AMA approves the recommendation, it will take years before the psychiatric association finishes the additional investigation required to make game addiction a formal mental disorder.

    However, the issue is adding new fuel to the constantly burning debates about video-game violence, potential government regulation and the power of electronic entertainment, the newspaper said.