NCT07590180 Neurotrophic Factors, Impulsivity, and Reward Sensitivity in Children With Internet Gaming Disorder
| NCT ID | NCT07590180 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Istanbul Saglik Bilimleri University |
| Condition | Internet Gaming Disorder |
| Study Type | OBSERVATIONAL |
| Enrollment | 120 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-05-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-12 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
This is an observational study. You will not receive an experimental treatment; researchers will collect data based on your existing condition or standard treatment.
This trial targets 120 participants in total. It began in 2026-05-01 with a primary completion date of 2026-12.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
Research and knowledge regarding the neurobiology of behavioral addictions and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) remain limited compared to substance and alcohol use disorders. However, IGD is increasingly causing significant functional impairment, particularly in the child and adolescent population. The primary objective of this study is to measure the serum levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Glial-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF)-both known for their roles in neurogenesis and neuroprotective effects-in a patient group aged 10-14 and a healthy control group. Additionally, this study aims to investigate the relationship between these neurotrophic factor levels and disease severity, as well as various behavioral and emotional parameters measured through psychometric assessments, to identify differences between the patient and healthy populations. Researchers will compare IGD patient group with healthy control group, both aged 10-14. Participants and their parents will be asked to fill self-report measures and serum samples of participants will be collected for BDNF and GDNF level measurements. The main questions of the study are: * Is there a difference in serum BDNF and GDNF levels between IGD patient group and healthy controls? * Is there a relation between serum BDNF and GDNF levels and IGD severity? * Is there a difference in impulsivity, reward/punishment sensitivity between IGD patient group and healthy controls * Is there a relation between serum BDNF and GDNF levels and impulsivity, reward/punishment sensitivity scores in IGD patient group?
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: For IGD Patient Group: Age: Being between 10 and 14 years of age. Literacy: Ability to read and write fluently. Informed Consent: Voluntary participation with written informed consent obtained from both the participants and their parents/legal guardians after a comprehensive briefing on the study procedures and scales. Diagnostic Criteria: Meeting the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and scoring above the clinical cutoff on the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-SF). For Healthy Control Group: Age: Children between 10 and 14 years of age. Literacy: Ability to read and write fluently. Clinical Status: No history or current diagnosis of any neuropsychiatric disorder, confirmed through clinical psychiatric assessment. Informed Consent: Voluntary participation with written informed consent obtained from both the participants and their parents/legal guardians after a comprehensive briefing on the study procedures and scales. Exclusion Criteria: Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders: Meeting the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Schizophrenia, Bipolar I Disorder, or Bipolar II Disorder. Cognitive and Neurological Impairment: Having a moderate to severe intellectual disability and/or a neurological disease in either the child or the caregiver that would impede the ability to understand instructions or provide reliable responses during the interview. Lack of Informed Consent: Refusal to participate voluntarily or failure to sign the informed consent/assent form by the children or their parents/legal guardians after receiving a detailed explanation of the study's purpose and the assessment scales to be administered.
Contact & Investigator
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07590180 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 10 Years or older, up to 14 Years, studying Internet Gaming Disorder. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07590180 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07590180 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at kerim.kiziltan@gmail.com for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07590180 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye).
Who is sponsoring the NCT07590180 clinical trial?
NCT07590180 is sponsored by Istanbul Saglik Bilimleri University. The trial plans to enroll 120 participants.