Cognitive behavioural therapy has been tested on the symptoms of gaming and internet addiction. 

A new study from Germany covers an intervention program based in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in reducing the symptoms of gaming disorder and unspecified internet use disorder in teens.

CBT is growing in popularity as a form of psychological treatment, having been shown to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness.

In the recent gaming study, a group of 422 teens at risk of gaming or internet addiction were split into two, with one half receiving a CBT course while the other half did not. 

Following up a year later, the researchers found that the severity of symptoms of gaming and internet disorders reduced by 39.8 per cent for the group who undertook the course, compared to 27.7 per cent for those who did not. 

While symptoms decreased, the researchers say there was no significant difference in incidence rates of the disorders between the groups after a year.

The study is accessible here.