Neurotrophic Factors, Impulsivity, and Reward Sensitivity in Children With Internet Gaming Disorder
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
Age10-14
SponsorIstanbul Saglik Bilimleri University
About this trial
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
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
None
Disqualifiers
None
Trial population
The study population will consist of children and adolescents who visit the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry outpatient clinics at Bakırköy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery between May 2026 and December 2026. The participants will include a patient group meeting the specific inclusion criteria for Internet Gaming Disorder and an age- and gender-matched healthy control group. The control group will be recruited from volunteers attending the psychiatry or pediatric outpatient clinics of the same hospital who meet the control criteria. All participants and their legal guardians will be volunteers who have provided written informed consent after a detailed explanation of the study.
Trial design
Design model
Case-control
Time perspective
Prospective
Treatments tested in this trial
Clinical Evaluation and Biochemical Sampling
Other interventionParticipants 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).
Treatment groups
120 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: IGD Patient Group1 intervention
Group B: Healthy Control Group1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Comparison of Serum BDNF and GDNF Levels
Serum concentrations of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Glial-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) will be measured in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) to identify biological differences between the Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) group and healthy controls.
Time frame
Baseline (at the time of enrollment)2
Differences in Impulsivity and Reward/Punishment Sensitivity Scores
Comparison of psychometric assessment scores between the IGD group and healthy controls to evaluate behavioral differences.
Time frame
Baseline (at the time of enrollment)Secondary outcomes
1
Correlation Between Neurotrophic Factors and Behavioral Scores in the IGD Group
Analyzing the specific relationship between serum BDNF/GDNF levels and psychometric scores of impulsivity and reward/punishment sensitivity within the patient group diagnosed with Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD).
Time frame
BaselineSponsors and contacts
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
Istanbul Saglik Bilimleri University
Lead sponsor
Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
Collaborator
Source ClinicalTrials.gov