To address concerns about the potential for overpathologization of generative AI (GenAI) use and the lack of conceptual clarity regarding GenAI addiction, this study developed and validated the Problematic Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Scale-9 (PUGenAIS-9). Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using Chinese and American samples (N = 1,508) to identify nine Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD)-based dimensional structures. The PUGenAIS-9 was developed and its structure was validated in an independent sample (N = 1,426). Measurement invariance tests confirmed stability across countries and genders, and revealed a prevalence rate of 5-10%, a symptom network structure similar to IGD, and predictive factors associated with psychological distress and functional impairment.