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Neurotrophic Factors, Impulsivity, and Reward Sensitivity in Children With Internet Gaming Disorder

NCT07590180 · Status: RECRUITING · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 120

Last updated 2026-05-15

No results posted yet for this study

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?

Conditions

  • Internet Gaming Disorder
  • Internet Addiction

Interventions

OTHER

Clinical Evaluation and Biochemical Sampling

Participants and their parents will undergo a cross-sectional clinical psychiatric interview conducted by a child and adolescent psychiatrist. Following the interview, both participants and their parents will be required to complete a battery of standardized self-report and parent-report psychometric scales. At the conclusion of the clinical assessment, a peripheral venous blood sample will be collected from each participant for serum biochemical analysis of neurotrophic factors (BDNF and GDNF).

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

    collaborator OTHER

  • Istanbul Saglik Bilimleri University

    lead OTHER

Eligibility

Min Age
10 Years
Max Age
14 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-05-01
Primary Completion
2026-12-31
Completion
2027-01-31

Countries

  • Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07590180 on ClinicalTrials.gov