Efficacy of Interventions to Reduce Anxiety, Depression, and Internet Addiction in Adolescents Addicted to the Internet: A Meta-Analysis

The use of the Internet for leisure and the psychological problems arising from its excessive use have increased among adolescents. However, little is known about which interventions are most effective for these issues. This study presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of treatments aimed at reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and internet addiction in adolescents with internet addiction symptoms. We selected studies published between 2010 and 2022 involving participants aged 6to 18years with internetabuse problems, treated with any type of intervention, and including post-test measures of anxiety and depression. Searches were conducted in Scopus, PsycInfo, PsicoDoc, PsycArticles, and Medline databases. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's test, effect sizes were calculated using Hedges's g, and meta-regression analyses were performed. The results included14 studies with 16 treatment groups and 14 comparison groups, showing effect sizes for anxiety, depression, and internet addiction ranging from low to moderate. The heterogeneity of the results was influenced by methodological quality and the type of questionnaire used to assess internet addiction. In conclusion, cognitive-behavioral intervention programs are effective for this population, but sports-based treatments appear to be the most effective and promising. Further research is needed to draw more solid conclusions in this area.