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Updated: Jan 16, 2026
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Online Gamers
Published on: November 9, 2019
A flexible module-based cognitive behavioral therapy for gaming disorder: study protocol of a randomized controlled
Elin Arvidson1, Annika Hofstedt2,3, Anna Söderpalm Gordh2,3
1Clinic for Gambling Addicition and Screen Health, Department of Addiction and Dependency, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. elin.arvidson@outlook.com.
Background:
Knowledge about gaming disorder has increased in recent years. However, more research is needed regarding treatment options for gaming disorder. The most studied treatment option today is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). However, due to the low number of high-quality trials, the certainty in the evidence is low. Only a handful of previous studies are randomized controlled trials, further affecting the evidence level. Many previously studied treatments are also resource-intensive, making it difficult to implement in routine care. In addition, few treatment studies so far include adults. Therefore, we aim to evaluate a flexible manual-based CBT-program for gaming disorder in a randomized controlled trial, including both adults and adolescents.
Methods:
A total of 160 patients will be recruited. Participants will be randomized to an intervention group receiving CBT treatment for approximately 12 weeks or to a waitlist control group. The primary outcome measure is the score on the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale 9- Short form. The questionnaire measures severity of gaming disorder before and after treatment. Assessments will be made at five time points, from the first visit to a 3-month follow-up. The participants randomized to the control group will remain on a waitlist for 12 weeks. During this time, the participants in the control group will receive the same questionnaires at the same time points as the intervention group. After 12 weeks, the control group will be offered the same treatment as participants in the intervention group. In an additional study, all participants will be followed up until 24 months after treatment.
Discussion:
This trial will evaluate the effects of a 12-week CBT-treatment for patients with gaming disorder, compared to no treatment. Increasing the knowledge of the effectiveness of CBT for gaming disorder will improve the ability to offer evidence-based care for this group of patients.
Trial Registration:
Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05328596. Registered on April 22, 2022.
