Treatment Modalities for Internet Addiction in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Child and Adolescent Health
• Digital Health

Background:

• Rising internet use among children and adolescents raises concerns about addiction and associated risks.
• This review addresses the need to summarize evidence on interventions for internet addiction in this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of various treatment interventions for internet addiction in children and adolescents.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review was conducted using major scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Google Scholar).
• Search terms included "internet addiction", "problematic internet use", "children/adolescents", "treatment", and "randomized controlled trial".
• Ten RCTs meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Interventions evaluated included cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, electro-acupuncture (EA), and solution-focused approaches.
• Most studies reported moderate to large effect sizes, indicating effectiveness for certain outcomes.
• CBT and EA demonstrated efficacy in reducing symptoms of internet addiction, internet gaming disorder, and unspecified internet use disorders.

Conclusions:

• Emerging treatments like CBT and EA show promise for internet addiction, but conceptual and diagnostic inconsistencies pose challenges.
• The recognition of Internet Gaming Disorder highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach and standardized diagnostic criteria.
• Further research is essential to refine effective treatments and diagnostic standards for internet addiction.