A Feasibility Study of Clinicians’ Perspectives on Relapse Prevention Treatment for Problematic Gaming Among Adolescents

This study evaluated the adaptation of relapse prevention treatment, originally for substance use, to address problematic gaming in children and adolescents. The goal was to understand the feasibility of this treatment in child and adolescent mental health services from the clinicians’ perspective. Six clinicians, four women and two men aged 37–47 with 4–20 years of work experience, were interviewed post-treatment. Key findings included the importance of individual patient and clinician features, successes and barriers in treatment, and ideas for future development. Cognitive maturity and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD and Autism, significantly influenced treatment efficacy. Parental involvement and addressing the challenges of online sessions were deemed crucial. Tailoring treatment to individual needs, allowing time for follow-up, setting realistic expectations for change, and parental involvement were highlighted for positive outcomes. The study contributes to the development of knowledge regarding treatments for young people’s behavioral and health problems, such as gaming problems.