Case report for an internet- and mobile-based intervention for internet use disorder

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Digital Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Internet Use Disorder (IUD) is a condition characterized by an inability to control internet usage.
• IUD is linked to diminished quality of life and mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
• Limited evidence-based treatments exist for IUD due to its recent classification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel internet- and mobile-based intervention (IMI) for Internet Use Disorder (IUD).
• To report on treatment satisfaction and preliminary outcomes of the developed IMI for IUD through a case report.

Main Methods:

• A case report following CARE guidelines analyzed a female participant with IUD, specifically excessive social media use.
• Symptom reduction was assessed using the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS).
• Treatment satisfaction was measured by the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ), and feasibility was evaluated through participant feedback.

Main Results:

• The internet- and mobile-based intervention (IMI) demonstrated feasibility in reducing IUD symptoms.
• The intervention also showed potential in alleviating depressive symptoms, anxiety, and procrastination behaviors.
• Participant feedback indicated good treatment satisfaction with the IMI.

Conclusions:

• Internet- and mobile-based interventions (IMIs) show promise as accessible and effective treatments for Internet Use Disorder (IUD).
• Case studies involving IMIs can offer valuable insights into mechanisms of symptom change for IUD.
• Further research is necessary to fully understand IUD and develop comprehensive treatment strategies.