Longer Term Effect of Randomized, Controlled Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Internet Addiction in Adolescent Students in Shanghai

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for Internet addiction in adolescents. METHOD: A total of 56 patients, who met Beard's diagnostic criteria for Internet addiction, aged 12-17 years, were divided randomly into an active treatment group (n = 32) and a clinical control group (n = 24). Participants in the active treatment group were treated with an eight-session multimodal school-based group CBT while participants in the clinical control group received no intervention. Internet use, time management, emotional, cognitive and behavioural measures were assessed for both groups at baseline, immediately after the intervention and at 6 month follow up by investigators blind to the participants' group status. RESULTS: Internet use decreased in both groups while only the multimodal school-based group CBT evinced improved time management skills and better emotional, cognitive and behavioural symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Multimodal school-based group CBT is effective for adolescents with Internet addiction, particularly in improving emotional state and regulation ability, behavioural and self-management style.