It is likely that not every type of video game is equally associated with IGD. The trials need to apply well-validated outcome measures and include long-term follow-up assessments and Randomized, controlled studies in large samples with adequate statistical power are needed to evaluate the efficacy of specific treatments. There is insufficient evidence regarding effective treatment of IGD. The overlap of IGD with other addictions, and problematic Internet use more generally, also requires greater study 16 Further longitudinal research examining comorbidities with anxiety, depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is important and will clarify whether IGD is an independent disorder that should be included as a separate category in DSM-6, or whether it is best seen as a symptom of other conditions.

There is growing empirical evidence that IGD is comorbid with several other disorders and mental health issues. What is the clinical course of IGD? Little is known about how long it takes to develop, how long it lasts, or whether it is continuous or intermittent What are the important risk factors for the development of IGD? Little is known about who is most at risk Because too broad a classification may obscure understanding of a mental disorder, we recommend that the DSM-5 criteria for gaming are validated first and then broadened to other media Most existing work focuses on either video games or Internet use more generally. After these aspects have been considered, it may be useful to evaluate differences between the usage of different media forms. Research should consider the validity of the current DSM-5 classification system, both with regard to criteria and cut points. We discuss several of the critical questions that future research should address and provide recommendations for clinicians, policy makers, and educators on the basis of what we know at this time. IGD does, therefore, appear to be an area in which additional research is clearly needed.

Although the authors of several studies have demonstrated that IGD can be treated, no randomized controlled trials have yet been published, making any definitive statements about treatment impossible. Estimates for the length of time the disorder can last vary widely, but it is unclear why. The etiology of IGD is not well-understood at this time, although it appears that impulsiveness and high amounts of time gaming may be risk factors. By using measures based on or similar to the IGD definition, we found that prevalence rates range between ∼1% and 9%, depending on age, country, and other sample characteristics. This paper is a summary of the review undertaken by the IGD Working Group as part of the 2015 National Academy of Sciences Sackler Colloquium on Digital Media and Developing Minds. The American Psychiatric Association recently included Internet gaming disorder (IGD) as a potential diagnosis, recommending that further study be conducted to help illuminate it more clearly.

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