Clinical Trial: Efficacy of Escitalopram in the Treatment of Internet Addiction

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

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

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

Detailed Summary: 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.
Sponsor: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Current Primary Outcome: length of non-essential Internet use in hours/week as well as CGI-Improvement [ Time Frame: baseline and biweekly for 10 weeks ]

Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: ratings on depression, anxiety, impulsivity, self-esteem, obsessive-compulsive symptoms [ Time Frame: baseline and biweekly for 10 weeks ]

Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Dates:
Date Received: November 28, 2007
Date Started: December 2002
Date Completion:
Last Updated: May 23, 2008
Last Verified: May 2008