Efficacy of Escitalopram in the Treatment of Internet Addiction

Internet Addiction Clinical Trial

Official title: Efficacy of Escitalopram in the Treatment of Internet Addiction

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The purpose of this study was to determine whether Lexapro (Escitalopram) is safe and effective in treating problematic internet use.

Clinical Trial Description

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 Design

Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Treatment

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Behavior, Addictive
• Internet Addiction

• NCT number: NCT00565422
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 4
• Start date: December 2002
• Completion date: October 2004