Electric brain stimulation tested as treatment for gaming addiction

NCT ID NCT04120714

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a mild electrical current applied to the scalp (tDCS) can reduce the urge to play internet games in people with pathological gaming disorder. Fifty participants will receive either real or fake stimulation over five sessions. Researchers will measure changes in gaming behavior and impulsivity four weeks after treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a non-drug treatment for internet gaming addiction, helping people regain control over their gaming habits.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early pilot study with only 50 participants, so results may not apply widely. The effect may be small or temporary, and the treatment requires multiple sessions.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • CHU de DIJON

    RECRUITING

    Dijon, 21079, France

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact