Effectiveness of Therapeutic Interventions in the Treatment of Internet Gaming Disorder: A Systematic Review

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) and as an emerging condition in the DSM-5. IGD is increasingly prevalent, with various negative effects on individuals' development and adaptation. To address this issue, different therapeutic interventions, like CBT, virtual reality, mindfulness, or family therapy, have been explored. This systematic review aimed to answer the following research question: What is the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions in reducing IGD symptoms in adolescents and young adults diagnosed with this disorder? Following PRISMA guidelines, 22 studies published between 2014 and 2025 were included. Results show that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective intervention, significantly reducing IGD severity, anxiety, and depression. Combining CBT with physical exercise or mindfulness further enhanced outcomes. Other promising approaches include virtual reality (VR), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and family-based interventions. Additionally, treatments involving mindfulness and animal-assisted therapy showed potential in improving emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships. However, further research is needed to evaluate long-term efficacy and explore emerging therapies.