Comparing the Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Interventions and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Treating Internet Gaming Disorder: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a behavioural addiction that is recognized in both the DSM-5 and ICD-11. Alongside cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which has established efficacy in the treatment of IGD, mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are gaining importance by enhancing self-awareness and improving impulse control to reduce addictive behaviours related to video gaming. METHOD: This systematic review follows PRISMA guidelines and examines the role of MBIs in IGD treatment. Systematic searches in PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar identified 1895 studies. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 26 studies were analysed. RESULTS: Findings from case reports, cross-sectional studies, quasi-experiments and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) show both CBT and MBIs reduce IGD symptoms, improve self-regulation and emotional control and decrease impulsive behaviours. MBIs also enhance psychological flexibility and reduce gaming time. LIMITATIONS: Small samples, lack of randomization, diverse measurement tools, varied treatment methods and non-standardized Likert scales limit validity and generalizability. CONCLUSION: This review highlights the comparative strengths of MBIs and CBT in treating IGD. While both CBT and MBIs are effective for IGD, they differ in methodology: MBIs foster mindful awareness of internal experiences, while CBT is problem- and goal-oriented. Larger sample sizes and more RCTs are needed to evaluate effectiveness and explore potential synergies, as MBIs remain in early development.