Internet gaming disorder in adolescents: a pilot study of Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT)

Assessing the potential of Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) and family treatment as usual to reduce Internet gaming and Internet gaming disorder in 13 to 18 years old adolescents from treatment sites in Geneva and greater Paris

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ISRCTN

Registry ID

ISRCTN11142726

Enrollment

Registered

2016-09-22

Start date

2016-10-15

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2022-11-21

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

Conditions

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) Mental and Behavioural Disorders Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD)

Interventions

Geneva Study: Participants are randomised to one of two groups using concealed randomisation procedures with database generated allocation to treatment group. Interven

relapse prevention

improving family communication and relationships

and strengthening parental educational skills. Stage 3 involves sealing off the treatment, agreeing on a relapse prevention plan, and providing booster sessions if needed. MDFT comprises three types o

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: 1. Adolescents aged 13 - 18 years old 2. Meeting 5 or more of the 9 criteria from the IGD consensus scale 3. At least one parent is willing to take part in the treatment and the study 4. Both adolescent and parent master the local language (French and English in Geneva, and French in Paris) 5, Informed consent by the adolescent and parent(s)

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: Adolescents who require inpatient treatment because of psychosis, advanced eating disorder, or severe suicidal ideation.

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
1. Frequency of gaming is measured using the TimeLine Follow-Back (FLFB) at baseline, 6 and 12 months 2. Prevalence of internet gaming disorder diagnosis is measured using the IGD consensus scale at baseline, 6 and 12 months	—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
1. Mental health status and symptoms of the adolescent will be measured with the well-validated Youth Self-Report (YSR) and with the Rotterdam Well-being of Youth Scale (R-WYS) at baseline, 6 and 12 months 2. The parents’ view of their child’s mental health status and symptoms will be assessed with the well-validated Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and with the R-WYS, parent version, at baseline, 6 and 12 months 3. Family functioning/communication will be measured in the Adolescent Interview and Parent Interview at baseline and 12 months 4. Parental supervision is assessed in the Adolescent and Parent Interviews at baseline and 12 months 5. School functioning of the adolescent will be measured using the Rotterdam Well-being of Youth Scale (R-WYS) and Adolescent and Parent Interviews at baseline, 6 and 12 months 6. Treatment retention is assessed using treatment contact logs throughout the 6 months of treatment 7. Treatment adherence is measured through a random sample of MDFT family sessions (midway treatment: at 3 months) being recorded on tape/disc and analysed for adherence to MDFT principles, using the 16-item MDFT Adherence Scale	—

Measure

Time frame

1. Mental health status and symptoms of the adolescent will be measured with the well-validated Youth Self-Report (YSR) and with the Rotterdam Well-being of Youth Scale (R-WYS) at baseline, 6 and 12 months 2. The parents’ view of their child’s mental health status and symptoms will be assessed with the well-validated Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and with the R-WYS, parent version, at baseline, 6 and 12 months 3. Family functioning/communication will be measured in the Adolescent Interview and Parent Interview at baseline and 12 months 4. Parental supervision is assessed in the Adolescent and Parent Interviews at baseline and 12 months 5. School functioning of the adolescent will be measured using the Rotterdam Well-being of Youth Scale (R-WYS) and Adolescent and Parent Interviews at baseline, 6 and 12 months 6. Treatment retention is assessed using treatment contact logs throughout the 6 months of treatment 7. Treatment adherence is measured through a random sample of MDFT family sessions (midway treatment: at 3 months) being recorded on tape/disc and analysed for adherence to MDFT principles, using the 16-item MDFT Adherence Scale

—

Countries

France, Switzerland

Contacts

Public ContactHenk;Philip Rigter;Nielsen

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;;

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ISRCTN (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026