Gaming disorder treatments reduced symptoms, but results varied across studies
A review of controlled trials found improvements in gaming symptoms and time spent gaming after treatment. Follow-up results were encouraging, but longer-term evidence remains limited.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Treatment groups had fewer gaming disorder symptoms and spent less time gaming than control groups after treatment. Depression and anxiety scores also improved. Improvements in gaming symptoms and gaming time were reported at follow-up, but substantial differences between studies and short follow-up periods limit confidence about how consistently these results apply and how long they last.
This explanation is based on the abstract. Studies used inconsistent diagnostic methods, follow-up was relatively short and results varied substantially. The abstract does not describe control conditions or give confidence intervals for the pooled effects.
What researchers found
Gaming disorder symptoms
Interventions reduced symptom scores compared with study control groups after treatment; the pooled difference was statistically significant.
How treatments compared
The review found no clear difference between cognitive behavioral therapy and other approaches, or in treatment effects according to co-occurring conditions. These findings do not establish that therapies are interchangeable or equally suitable for every patient.
How long improvements lasted
Improvements in gaming symptoms and gaming time persisted at follow-up. The authors nevertheless call for larger, longer trials and more research on medication, both alone and alongside psychological treatment.
The original publication
Treatment of gaming disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Harpas I, Stevens M, Radunz M et al.
Psychiatry Res · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41187384
- Record checked
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