Actively Recruiting
Investigation of Serum BDNF and GDNF Levels and Behavioral Traits in Children With Internet Gaming Disorder
Led by Istanbul Saglik Bilimleri University · Updated on 2026-05-15
120
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
I
Istanbul Saglik Bilimleri University
Lead Sponsor
I
Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating the neurobiology of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in children and adolescents aged 10 to 14. This study aims to measure the serum levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Glial-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF), which are involved in brain growth and protection, comparing children with IGD to healthy controls. The study also explores how these factors relate to disease severity and behavioral traits like impulsivity and sensitivity to reward or punishment. The study includes two groups: children diagnosed with IGD based on DSM-5 criteria and healthy children without neuropsychiatric disorders, both aged 10 to 14. Participants and their parents will complete several questionnaires assessing gaming disorder severity, impulsivity, anxiety, depression, and other behaviors. Blood samples will be collected after fasting to measure BDNF and GDNF levels using specialized laboratory tests. Participants will undergo psychiatric interviews and complete multiple psychometric assessments during the study. Blood samples will be processed and stored for later analysis. Researchers will compare neurotrophic factor levels and behavioral scores between groups and examine correlations within the IGD group. The study runs from May to December 2026, with consent obtained from children and their guardians prior to participation.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Neurotrophic Factors, Impulsivity, and Reward Sensitivity in Children With Internet Gaming Disorder
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 10 and 14 years
- Ability to read and write fluently
- Voluntary participation with written informed consent from participants and their parents or legal guardians
- For IGD Patient Group: Diagnosis of Internet Gaming Disorder based on DSM-5 criteria and scoring above the clinical cutoff on the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form
- For Healthy Control Group: No current or past neuropsychiatric disorders confirmed by clinical psychiatric evaluation
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Schizophrenia, Bipolar I Disorder, or Bipolar II Disorder
- Moderate to severe intellectual disability or neurological disease in the child or caregiver that affects understanding or reliable responses
- Refusal or failure to provide informed consent or assent by the child or their parents/legal guardians
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - May 2026 to December 2026
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person) including clinical psychiatric interviews for participants and their parents/legal guardians
Duration - Same day as screening visit
Participants and their parents complete standardized psychometric scales and clinical psychiatric interviews to assess behavioral traits and confirm diagnostic status.
1 visit (in-person) for psychometric assessments and interviews
Duration - Same day as screening and diagnostic evaluation
Peripheral venous blood samples are collected from participants following a 10-12 hour fasting period for biochemical analysis of serum neurotrophic factors.
1 visit (in-person) for blood sample collection between 09:00 and 12:00
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Bakırköy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery
Istanbul, Bakirkoy, Turkey (Türkiye)
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
K
Kerim Kızıltan, Medical Doctor
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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