Dual-target Neurofeedback Therapy for Internet Gaming Disorder
Official title: Mechanistic Study on Brain-Computer Interface-Based Dual-Target Neurofeedback Training Intervention for Cognitive Control Deficits in Internet Gaming Disorder
Run by The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University · NCT07843615 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We test a dual-target neurofeedback approach to see if it helps improve cognitive control in young adults with Internet Gaming Disorder.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bengbu) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | September 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07843615 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18-35 with Internet Gaming Disorder, high gaming time, and a GDSS score of 47 or higher who are right-handed and able to participate in follow-up assessments.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals not meeting the criteria or with severe comorbid conditions, left-handedness, or significant cognitive impairment may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This trial tests a combined neurofeedback system that both activates neural circuits involved in cognitive control and reinforces social rewards, aiming to improve self-regulation in IGD. Participants undergo different neurofeedback conditions, including a dual-target intervention, a neural-only intervention, and sham feedback. The study focuses on 18- to 35-year-olds with high gaming engagement and confirmed IGD symptoms, following standardized criteria. Outcomes likely include measures of cognitive control, gaming behavior, and engagement with the intervention over time. The research addresses neural mechanisms, intervention targets, and strategies to sustain participation beyond initial treatment phases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience better impulse control and reduced gaming, improving daily functioning and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests neurofeedback can modulate cognitive control networks, but combining social reward mechanisms with neural targets is a relatively novel approach with limited prior success data.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals aged between 18 and 35 years, irrespective of gender, having completed a minimum of 9 years of education and capable of effectively cooperating in questionnaire evaluations * Consent to actively cooperate in the completion of subsequent follow-up assessments * Right-handed * The Gaming Disorder Screening (GDSS) Scale score ≥ 47 points * Average weekly gaming time greater than 21 hours, maintained for over one year * More than 50% of daily internet time spent playing online games Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive functional impairments manifested through a history of head trauma, cerebrovascular diseases, epilepsy, etc., or usage of cognitive enhancement drugs in the past 6 months * Left-handed * An intellectual disability with an IQ score less than 70 * A diagnosis of schizophrenia or other severe mental illnesses as per the DSM-5 criteria * Abuse or dependence on other psychoactive substances (excluding nicotine) within the past 5 years * Severe organic diseases that might compromise study participation * Color blindness or color weakness
Where it's running
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Bengbu Medical University
Bengbu, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Dongliang Jiao, doctor
- Email: jdl3925697@163.com
- Phone: 15005527903
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Neurotrophic factors, impulsivity, and reward in children with internet gaming disorder
This study tests whether kids aged 10–14 with internet gaming disorder have different levels of brain-derived and glial-derived neurotrophic factors compared with healthy peers.
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Improving cognitive control in individuals with Internet Gaming Disorder through social reward interventions
This study is testing if a self-help program that boosts social rewards can help people with Internet Gaming Disorder improve their focus and control over their gaming habits.
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Chatbot intervention to help adolescents with digital addictions
This study tests if a chatbot can help teenagers aged 10-19 reduce their gaming and social media addiction better than just receiving information about these issues.
-
Collective Motivational Interviewing for adolescents with internet gaming disorder
This study tests whether collective motivational interviewing plus education materials helps teens with probable IGD reduce gaming symptoms and gain more support from a chosen caregiver or family member.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.