Depressive symptoms and depression in individuals with internet gaming disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Although depression has frequently been associated with Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), its epidemiological impact on this emerging condition not systematically assessed. In study, we aimed to synthesize the available evidence focusing and depressive symptoms in individuals IGD. We searched PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, GreyLit, OpenGrey, ProQuest up March 2020 for observational studies depression-related outcomes conducted random-effects meta-analyses 1) rate of comorbid IGD; 2) severity IGD participants without depression. identified 92 from 25 different countries including 15,148 participants. 21 (n = 5025 participants) provided data first analysis, resulting a pooled event 0.32 (95% Confidence Interval 0.21–0.43). The Beck Depression Inventory scores were suggestive mild (13 studies, n 508; 10.3, 95% 8.3–12.4). considerable inconsistency methods employed across limits transferability these findings clinical practice. prevalence varied considerably affecting approximately one out three overall. Furthermore, globally major was found those diagnosis depression, compared general population. These confirm relevant mood disturbances PROSPERO (CRD42018100823).