Using brain stimulation to help people with internet gaming addiction
Efficacy of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in Patients Suffering From Pathological Use of Internet Gaming : Randomized, Controlled, Double-blind, Monocentric Pilot Study
This study is testing if a type of brain stimulation can help people aged 12 and older who are struggling with internet gaming addiction to cut back on their gaming and feel better overall.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Dijon) |
| Trial ID | NCT04120714 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a treatment for individuals suffering from pathological use of internet gaming (PUIG). Participants aged 12 and older who meet DSM-5 criteria for PUIG will receive either active or placebo tDCS, alongside questionnaires to assess their condition. The goal is to determine if tDCS can help reduce the compulsive gaming behavior and improve the overall well-being of affected individuals. The study aims to provide a novel intervention for a growing mental health concern linked to excessive internet use.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 12 and older who exhibit symptoms of pathological use of internet gaming and are motivated to reduce or stop their gaming habits.
Not a fit: Patients with severe psychiatric comorbidities, gambling addiction, or those who cannot provide consent may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce compulsive gaming behaviors and improve the quality of life for patients struggling with internet gaming addiction.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of tDCS for various psychiatric conditions is being explored, this specific application for pathological internet gaming is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient aged ≥ 12 years old * Patient and/or parents who have given oral consent * Patient with PUIG (DSM-5 criteria) * Patient that is motivated and willing to reduce or stop internet gaming Exclusion Criteria: * a person who is not affiliated to or not a beneficiary of a social security scheme * Patient with severe chronic psychiatric comorbidity (schizophrenia, paranoia, chronic hallucinatory psychosis) and bipolar disorder types I and II * Patient with a gambling addiction * Patient who has had a recent change (\< 1 month) in the prescription of psychotropic treatment * Patient with an addiction to a psychoactive substance other than tobacco * Patient receiving psychiatric care without consent or legal protection (guardianship, curatorship) * Minor patient without parental consent for care * Patient with severe heart, kidney, liver or lung failure * Patient with a contraindication to the practice of tDCS: metal parts, medical devices implanted in the brain * Pregnancy or breastfeeding in progress (negative pregnancy test) * Patient unable to commit to a three-month follow-up
Where this trial is running
Dijon
- CHU de DIJON — Dijon, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Benoît TROJAK
- Email: benoit.trojak@chu-dijon.fr
- Phone: 03.80.29.37.69
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.