A mindfulness-based program for social network use disorder: A randomized controlled feasibility trial

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

DRKS

Registry ID

DRKS00036699

Enrollment

Registered

2025-04-17

Start date

2025-04-04

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2026-04-27

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Social networks use disorders (SNUD)

Interventions

Group 1: Participants in the intervention group take part in a mindfulness-based group program aimed at reducing symptoms of Social Networks Use Disorder (SNUD). The intervention consists of eight wee

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Age

18 Years to 67 Years

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: Clinically relevant symptoms of social network use disorder (SNUD)

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: Difficulties with reading or writing, acute psychosis, mania, alcohol or drug addiction (except nicotine), current suicidal thoughts or intentions, current psychotherapy for SNUD, participation in a guided mindfulness course within the last six months

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
The primary endpoint is the change in symptom severity of Social Networks Use Disorder (SNUD). It is assessed using the Social Media Disorder Scale (SMDS, 9-item version; Wartberg, Kriston & Thomasius, 2020) and additionally with the Social Media Disorder Test (SMDT, 4-item version; Wartberg, Spindler, Berber, Potzel & Kammerl, 2023). Assessments take place at baseline (t0), immediately after the intervention (t1, approx. 2 months after t0), and at follow-up (t2, approx. 4 months after t0). Amendment dated September 30, 2025 (Primary Endpoint): The instruments used to assess the primary endpoint are adjusted: instead of the Social Media Disorder Scale (SMDS) and the Social Media Disorder Test (SMDT), the “Assessment of Criteria for Specific Internet Use Disorders” (ACSID-11) and the “Internet Gaming Disorder Test – 10” (IGDT-10, adapted for social networks) are now used.	—

Measure

Time frame

The primary endpoint is the change in symptom severity of Social Networks Use Disorder (SNUD). It is assessed using the Social Media Disorder Scale (SMDS, 9-item version; Wartberg, Kriston & Thomasius, 2020) and additionally with the Social Media Disorder Test (SMDT, 4-item version; Wartberg, Spindler, Berber, Potzel & Kammerl, 2023). Assessments take place at baseline (t0), immediately after the intervention (t1, approx. 2 months after t0), and at follow-up (t2, approx. 4 months after t0). Amendment dated September 30, 2025 (Primary Endpoint): The instruments used to assess the primary endpoint are adjusted: instead of the Social Media Disorder Scale (SMDS) and the Social Media Disorder Test (SMDT), the “Assessment of Criteria for Specific Internet Use Disorders” (ACSID-11) and the “Internet Gaming Disorder Test – 10” (IGDT-10, adapted for social networks) are now used.

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Secondary

Measure	Time frame
Secondary endpoints include changes in the following domains: mindfulness, depressive symptoms, anxiety, loneliness, sleep problems, functional impairments, and overall life satisfaction. All variables are assessed via standardized self-report questionnaires at three timepoints: at baseline (t0), post-intervention (t1, approx. 2 months after t0), and at follow-up (t2, approx. 4 months after t0). Amendment dated September 30, 2025 (Secondary Endpoints): For the secondary endpoints, the measurement instruments are specified in more detail (FFMQ-D, PHQ-8, GAD-7, UCLA-6, AIS-NCA, WHODAS 2.0, L-1), and the variable “perceived stress (PSS-10)” is added. In addition, “functional impairments” are designated as the key secondary outcome.	—

Measure

Time frame

Secondary endpoints include changes in the following domains: mindfulness, depressive symptoms, anxiety, loneliness, sleep problems, functional impairments, and overall life satisfaction. All variables are assessed via standardized self-report questionnaires at three timepoints: at baseline (t0), post-intervention (t1, approx. 2 months after t0), and at follow-up (t2, approx. 4 months after t0). Amendment dated September 30, 2025 (Secondary Endpoints): For the secondary endpoints, the measurement instruments are specified in more detail (FFMQ-D, PHQ-8, GAD-7, UCLA-6, AIS-NCA, WHODAS 2.0, L-1), and the variable “perceived stress (PSS-10)” is added. In addition, “functional impairments” are designated as the key secondary outcome.

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Countries

Germany

Contacts

Public ContactJohannes Fendel

Universitätsklinikum Freiburg

johannes.fendel@uniklinik-freiburg.de+4976127068811

Outcome results

None listed

Source: DRKS (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: May 1, 2026