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Published in: Trials 1/2012

Open Access 01-12-2012 | Study protocol

Effects of a manualized short-term treatment of internet and computer game addiction (STICA): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Susanne Jäger, Kai W Müller, Christian Ruckes, Tobias Wittig, Anil Batra, Michael Musalek, Karl Mann, Klaus Wölfling, Manfred E Beutel

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2012

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Abstract

Background

In the last few years, excessive internet use and computer gaming have increased dramatically. Salience, mood modification, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, conflict, and relapse have been defined as diagnostic criteria for internet addiction (IA) and computer addiction (CA) in the scientific community. Despite a growing number of individuals seeking help, there are no specific treatments of established efficacy.

Methods/design

This clinical trial aims to determine the effect of the disorder-specific manualized short-term treatment of IA/CA (STICA). The cognitive behavioural treatment combines individual and group interventions with a total duration of 4 months. Patients will be randomly assigned to STICA treatment or to a wait list control group. Reliable and valid measures of IA/CA and co-morbid mental symptoms (for example social anxiety, depression) will be assessed prior to the beginning, in the middle, at the end, and 6 months after completion of treatment.

Discussion

A treatment of IA/CA will establish efficacy and is desperately needed. As this is the first trial to determine efficacy of a disorder specific treatment, a wait list control group will be implemented. Pros and cons of the design were discussed.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials (NCT01434589)
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Effects of a manualized short-term treatment of internet and computer game addiction (STICA): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors
Susanne Jäger
Kai W Müller
Christian Ruckes
Tobias Wittig
Anil Batra
Michael Musalek
Karl Mann
Klaus Wölfling
Manfred E Beutel
Publication date
01-12-2012
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6215-13-43

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