Internet Gaming Disorder Treatment Options in the Hospital Setting

ABSTRACT

Internet gaming disorder (IGD), one of the common subtypes of internet addiction, is now classified in Section 3 of DSM-5 and is increasingly regarded as a growing health concern in many parts of the world. Consequently, many psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological approaches have been considered and some research regarding therapeutic strategies has been conducted. However, treatment of IGD is in its early stages and therefore is not yet well established. This article reviews multiple therapeutic modalities including our own treatment model for IGD according to clinical and biological effects, thus providing suggestions for standard treatment strategies. The two main streams are psychopharmacological treatment and cognitive-behavior treatment, and the cognitive-behavior approach includes cognitive reconstruction, psychoeducation, and parenting coach. Many other non-pharmacological treatments are also recommended for personalized treatment of IGD.