Effective interventions for gaming disorder: A systematic review of randomized control trials

Abstract

ObjectiveTo identify effective intervention methods for gaming disorder (GD) through a rigorous assessment of existing literature.MethodsWe conducted a search of six databases (PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that tested GD interventions, published from database inception to December 31, 2021. Standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a random effects model. Risk of bias was assessed with the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool.ResultsSeven studies met the inclusion criteria. Five interventions were tested in these studies: group counseling, craving behavioral intervention (CBI), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), the acceptance and cognitive restructuring intervention program (ACRIP), and short-term cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Four of the five interventions (the tDCS was excluded) were found to have a significant effect on GD. The results of the quality assessment showed that the included studies had a medium to high risk in the randomization process and a medium to high risk of overall bias.ConclusionRigorous screening identified that four interventions are effective for GD: group counseling, CBI, ACRIP, and short-term CBT. Additionally, a comprehensive review of the literature revealed that improvements could be made in the conceptualization of GD, experimental design, sample representativeness, and reporting quality. It is recommended that future studies have more rigorous research designs and be based on established standards to provide more credible evidence to inform the development of GD interventions.

A Case Report of Internet Gaming Disorder Treated With Bupropion and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

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Užívání internetu, sociálních sítí a digitálních her u adolescentů:

“…Tyto osoby intervenci potřebují, ale vyhýbají se jí. Skupinové poradenství může být účinné, protože poskytuje jedinci prostor, kde může čelit realitě s podporou ostatních, kteří mu mohou pomoci objevit vnitřní sílu, kterou potřebuje ke zvládnutí svých problémů (Chen et al, 2023). U nadužívání sociálních sítí se doporučují intervence cílené na psychickou a sociální oblast.…”

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Practical psychiatry: Taking gaming seriously – a primer for psychiatrists on gamers and gaming culture

“…10 Four effective interventions for gaming disorder were identified in the most recent systematic review: group counselling, craving behavioural intervention, cognitiverestructuring intervention and short-term cognitivebehavioural therapy. 29 Gamers may be encouraged to gamble online, such as in gaming which involves in-game microtransaction purchases to progress levels/achievements, and the inclusion of features that reward achievements, or random itemassortments known as 'loot-boxes'. 30 A meta-analysis of studies of primarily male, US/European gamers found that higher conscientiousness was protective against the harms of problematic gaming, likely because of conscientious persons' organisation and goal direction in general, including in 'real life'.…”

“… 10 Four effective interventions for gaming disorder were identified in the most recent systematic review: group counselling, craving behavioural intervention, cognitive-restructuring intervention and short-term cognitive-behavioural therapy. 29 …”