Effectiveness of CBT in Treating IGD

Introduction- This investigation explores the role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in treating Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) among adolescents. IGD is defined as excessive and compulsive engagement in video games, leading to adverse impacts on one’s life. According to the ICD-11, this condition is characterized by a consistent pattern of gaming behavior that significantly disrupts areas such as personal life, education and work over a period of at least 12 months. Symptoms include a lack of control over gaming, preference for gaming over other interests and persistent gaming despite adverse consequences. While IGD affects a minority of gamers, it’s vital for players to monitor their gaming habits and the potential impact on their health and social lives. The DSM-5-TR categorizes IGD as a research condition, noting it causes significant distress or impairment in personal functioning. Symptoms include gaming preoccupation, withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, unsuccessful control attempts over gaming, loss of interest in other activities, continued gaming despite issues, lying about gaming extent, using gaming to relieve negative moods and risking significant relationships or opportunities due to gaming. Approaches to managing IGD include CBT, Family therapy, Mindfulness-based interventions, Support groups and Lifestyle changes. CBT is a psychotherapy aimed at identifying and modifying negative thoughts and behaviors causing distress. It is effective for various conditions, including anxiety, depression and PTSD. CBT emphasizes the interconnection between thoughts, feelings and behaviors, advocating for change in one aspect to affect the others. Its components include Cognitive, Behavioral, Goal-oriented, Evidence-based and Time-limited aspects. Literature Review- Various studies have demonstrated CBT’s efficacy in treating IGD. Research from 2015 to 2023 indicates CBT is beneficial in reducing IGD symptoms, improving psychological well-being and enhancing social interaction. Studies have shown significant improvements by the eighth session of CBT, with sustained benefits at a 6-month follow-up. Comparative studies have found CBT superior to supportive therapy in addressing IGD symptoms, with added benefits in anxiety, impulsivity and social engagement. Moreover, the PIPATIC program has shown promising results in treating IGD and associated disorders, indicating that a broader therapeutic focus may enhance treatment effectiveness. Methodology- This systematic review assessed the efficacy of CBT in treating adolescent IGD from 2015 to 2023, including studies that specifically mentioned CBT, IGD/gaming disorder and adolescents within the specified timeframe. Results- The review of 15 studies revealed that adolescents can generally manage their IGD symptoms effectively through CBT, often showing significant progress by the eighth session. CBT has been found to have a robust evidence base, surpassing other therapies in treating gaming disorder. Improvements were observed in gaming addiction severity, psychological symptoms and social functioning. The PIPATIC program and CBT-IA highlight the adaptability of CBT approaches to meet the unique challenges of IGD and internet addiction, respectively. Discussion- This study highlights CBT’s effectiveness in addressing IGD among adolescents, emphasizing the necessity of recognizing and treating this disorder. CBT’s comprehensive approach, which addresses cognitive, behavioral and emotional aspects, proves to be a potent intervention for IGD. Furthermore, the adaptability of CBT, as seen in the PIPATIC program and CBT-IA, underscores its potential in treating a range of symptoms and promoting lasting behavioral change. Conclusion- This investigation confirms CBT’s efficacy as a therapeutic intervention for IGD, underscoring its significance as a preferred treatment modality. While individual and group sessions have proven beneficial, further research is needed to explore CBT’s long-term impact and its application within different cultural contexts, including India.