Treating internet use disorders via the internet? Results of a two-Armed randomized controlled trial

Bernstein K, Schaub MP, Baumeister H, Berking M, Ebert DD, Zarski AC (2023)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2023

Journal

Journal of Behavioral Addictions Akadémiai Kiadó

Book Volume: 12

Pages Range: 803-816

Journal Issue: 3

DOI: 10.1556/2006.2023.00049

Abstract

Background and aims: Internet Use Disorders (IUDs) are emerging as a societal challenge. Evidence-based treatment options are scarce. Digital health interventions may be promising to deliver psychological treatment to individuals with IUDs directly in their online setting. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a digital health intervention for IUDs compared to a waitlist control group (WCG). Methods: In a two-Armed randomized controlled trial, N = 130 individuals showing IUDs (Internet Addiction Test; IAT ≥49) were randomly allocated to the intervention group (IG; n = 65) or WCG (n = 65). The intervention consisted of 7 sessions based on cognitive behavioral therapy. The primary outcome was IUD symptom severity measured via the IAT at post treatment 7 weeks after randomization. Secondary outcomes included IUD symptoms (Compulsive Internet Use Scale; CIUS), quality of life, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and other psychosocial variables associated with IUDs. Results: Participants were on average 28.45 years old (SD = 10.59) and 50% identified as women, 49% as men, and 1% as non-binary. The IG (n = 65) showed significantly less IUD symptom severity (IAT) (d = 0.54, 95% CI 0.19-0.89) and symptoms (d = 0.57, 95% CI 0.22-0.92) than the WCG (n = 65) at post-Treatment. Study attrition was 20%. Effects on all other secondary outcomes were not significant. On average, participants completed 67.5% of the intervention. Discussion and Conclusions: A digital health intervention could be a promising first step to reduce IUD symptom severity.

Authors with CRIS profile

Matthias Berking Lehrstuhl für Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie Anna-Carlotta Zarski Lehrstuhl für Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie

Involved external institutions

Technische Universität München (TUM) DE Germany (DE) University of Zurich / Universität Zürich (UZH) CH Switzerland (CH) Universität Ulm DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Bernstein, K., Schaub, M.P., Baumeister, H., Berking, M., Ebert, D.D., & Zarski, A.-C. (2023). Treating internet use disorders via the internet? Results of a two-Armed randomized controlled trial. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 12(3), 803-816. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2023.00049

MLA:

Bernstein, Karina, et al. "Treating internet use disorders via the internet? Results of a two-Armed randomized controlled trial." Journal of Behavioral Addictions 12.3 (2023): 803-816.

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