Effectiveness of an early intervention program for adolescents with Internet Gaming and Internet Use Disorder: Medium-term effects of the PROTECT+ Study

Abstract

Effectiveness of an early intervention program for adolescents with Internet Gaming and Internet Use Disorder: Medium-term effects of the PROTECT+ Study Abstract. Objective: Internet Gaming and Internet Use Disorder (IGD and IUD) have gained increasing attention in the scientific community over the last few years. The inclusion of "Gaming Disorder" in the ICD-11 (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems) promoted the need for evidence-based and effective treatments. PROTECT+ is such a cognitive-behavioral group therapy program for adolescents with IGD and IUD. The present study evaluates the medium-term effects after 4 months. Method: N = 54 patients, aged 9 to 19 years (M = 13.48, SD = 1.72), participated in the early intervention study between April 2016 and December 2017 in Heidelberg, Germany. Symptom severity was assessed at baseline, at the end of the treatment, and at 4-month follow-up using standardized diagnostic tools. Results: Multilevel analyses showed a significant reduction in symptom severity using the Video Game Dependency Scale (CSAS) at 4-month follow-up. We found a small effect size in self-reported reduction of symptom severity (d = 0.35) and a moderate effect size in parental ratings (d = 0.77). The Reliable Change Index measured by the Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS) indicated a high heterogeneity in individual symptom changes over time. Patients showed high satisfaction regarding the treatment program at 1- und 4-month follow-up. Conclusions: This study is internationally one of the few to show a significant reduction of IGD and IUD symptoms after 4 months.