In our digitalized world, a rising number of adolescents are affected by internet gaming disorder (IGD). The WHO defines IDG as the inability to stop playing even though it interferes with other areas of a person’s life. IGD is a distressing medical condition, which leads to daily life dysfunction, is associated with psychological and psychiatric issues, and thus needs qualified care.

Team Open.IU has developed an online solution to provide diagnosis and treatment of IGD and co-occurring psychiatric conditions to parties involved. Open.IU consists of two components: an online diagnostic test, and an online counseling and therapy tool. The diagnostic test is based on a scientifically proven, standardized test for targeted screening, an in-depth evaluation for IGD and potential co-morbidities. The counseling and therapy tool provides access to licensed therapists and to modules based on cognitive behavioral therapy. With Open.IU, seeking professional guidance and medical attention for internet gaming disorder will be accessible to everyone instantly and without waiting times. This solution is a low-threshold, easy-to-use service, and makes mental health care accessible for everyone at any time. In addition to patients, Open.IU also provides information and recommendations to caregivers, such as families of affected adolescents. The Open.IU solution can be extended in the future to also cover other mental health conditions such as ADHD, alcohol addiction, anxiety, or depression.

Open.IU consists of an interdisciplinary team of experts in psychiatric and psychosomatic diseases, diagnostics and therapy for children and adolescents from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and School of Medicine at Hofstra/ Northwell in New York. The team is supported by advisors for computer game development, user research as well as reimbursement.