Combined cognitive behavioral therapy and bupropion for the treatment of problematic on-line game play in adolescents with major depressive disorder

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in combination with bupropion for treatment of problematic on-line game play in adolescents with co-morbid major depressive disorder. Sixty-five depressed adolescents with excessive on-line game play were randomly assigned to a CBT group (CBT-Med group (N=32)) or a clinical control group (Med group (N=33)). Measures of severity of internet use, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, life satisfaction and school adaptation were assessed at baseline, after the 8week intervention, and at the end of a 4week follow-up post-treatment period. Young Internet Addiction Scale scores in the CBT-Med group were reduced compared to those of the Med group, but there was no significant difference in the change of depression scores between two groups. The mean anxiety scores in the CBT-Med group did not change while those in the Med group were increased. The mean life satisfaction scores in the CBT-Med group were increased compared to those of the Med group. CBT in combination with bupropion may be effective for the treatment of depressed adolescents with on-line game addiction, particularly in reducing on-line game play and anxiety, as well as in improving life satisfaction.