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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
CHU de DIJON
RECRUITINGDijon, 21079, France