Does cognitive-behavioral therapy reduce internet addiction? Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been considered as a means for internet addiction, but its long-term effect and the impact of internet addiction types and culture are still unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the efficacy of cognitive-behavior therapy for internet addiction symptoms and associated other psychopathological symptoms. METHOD AND ANALYSIS: We will search PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Ovid Medline, Chongqing Vip Database, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure database. Random-effects model in comprehensive meta-analysis software will be used to conduct main meta-analysis. Cochran Q and I(2) are be used to assess heterogeneity while funnel plots and the Egger test are used to assess publication bias. Risk of bias for each study included is assessed by using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The primary outcome is internet addiction symptom while secondary outcomes are psychopathological symptoms, time spent online, and dropout. TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42019125667