Early Intervention in Gaming Disorder: What Can We Learn from Findings in the Substance Abuse Field?

Purpose of Review: Gaming disorder (GD) is considered as a condition related to severe functional impairment, and its prevalence reaches meaningful proportions of the general population in many countries. Besides treatment and prevention, early interventions could play a major role to curb this rising public health concern. This review summarizes the available knowledge in this field. Recent Findings: Among current systematic reviews on treatment approaches with respect to GD or Internet-related disorders (IDs), only two studies have been found that can be characterized as early interventions. However, findings from the substance abuse field foreshadow the prospects of such approaches for the arena of GD and ID. Summary: To date, nearly no evidence according to early interventions for GD or ID exists. Early intervention for GD or ID in settings like primary care or school needs to receive much more attention given the promising population impact that this approach could have. Sound studies testing the efficacy of brief interventions are highly needed.