Efficacy of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in Patients Suffering From Pathological Use of Internet Gaming

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Active tDCS: active D.C. transcranial stimulation (delivers a low current (1 to 2 mA)) for 10 to 30 minutes, during 5 sessions

Placebo tDCS: inactive DC transcranial stimulation (delivering a non-significant current at the beginning and end of the stimulation, simulating active stimulation) for 10 to 30 minutes, during 5 sessions

Questionnaires: * visual analogue scale (VAS) * impulsivity scale: Barratt Impulsiveness Scale - version 11 (BIS-11) * Decision-making scales: Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) and Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART) * Go-No go test * HAM-D scale * SF-12 quality of life scale

Study summary

The Internet has grown considerably in the last twenty years, and as a result, cases of excessive iinterney use have emerged. These cases, which have clinical similarities with substance addiction, involve the various activities related to the Internet (online gambling, discussion forums, online networking, e-mail, pornography, shopping, etc.). However, to date, only the pathological use of Internet gaming (PUIG) is referenced in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5, section III).

In PUIG, an individual loses control when gambling online. He/she typically spends 8 to 10 hours on this activity, sometimes without eating or sleeping. Usual obligations, such as school or work, or family obligations are neglected. PUIG can cause great psychological and social suffering. Neurological complications (epilepsy) and deaths (cardiac arrest) related to PUIG have also been reported. These situations are all the more dramatic because they often affect adolescents and young adults. In Asia, PUIG has become a public health problem. To date, no treatment has been validated for this disorder.

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques can modulate neural activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). This modulation makes it possible to reduce addictive behaviours through different mechanisms (reduction of craving, impulsivity, and decision-making disorders). These techniques could be effective for PUIG.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Evolution of scores on the IAT scale (Internet Addiction Test) — 4 weeks after tDCS treatment
  Evolution of scores on the IAT (Internet Addiction Test) scale 4 weeks after treatment with tDCS (5 sessions) compared to the 4 weeks preceding brain stimulation

Trial sites (1)

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