The present case study illustrates the successful treatment of compulsive video-game playing in an 18-year old college student. On entering therapy the patient presented with a 5-month compulsion to play video-games with an average playing time of 3-4 hours per day and at an average cost of $5 per day. Treatment components included self- monitoring, GSR biofeedback-assisted relaxation training, in vivo exposure and response prevention, and follow-up at intervals of 6 and 12 months. A 90% reduction in the patient's compulsive behavior was achieved and maintained at follow-up indicating the potential effectiveness of behavioral intervention in the treatment of compulsive video-game playing. © 1987, IEEE. All rights reserved.
