The purpose of this study was to determine whether Lexapro (Escitalopram) is safe and effective in treating problematic internet use.
Many individuals experience marked distress and functional impairments as a result of their perceived inability to control their 'non-essential' (non-job/school related) use of the Internet. Frequently these people develop a preoccupation with the Internet, a need for escape to the Internet, and increasing irritability when trying to cut back use of the Internet. There have been no studies to date looking at the effectiveness of medications in the treatment of this disorder. In our clinical experience, we find these patients with Internet addiction usually respond to serotonin reuptake inhibitors within 12 weeks. This study will examine the efficacy of escitalopram in Internet addiction among adults.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
31
10 mg/day
length of non-essential Internet use in hours/week as well as CGI-Improvement
Time frame: baseline and biweekly for 10 weeks
ratings on depression, anxiety, impulsivity, self-esteem, obsessive-compulsive symptoms
Time frame: baseline and biweekly for 10 weeks
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