Integrating Yoga and Mindfulness in the Management of Internet Gaming Disorder: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence and Future Directions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Despite Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) remaining the frontline treatment for Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), the therapeutic potential of yoga and mindfulness-based interventions (YBIs/MBIs) remains incompletely synthesized. This narrative review evaluates their efficacy in reducing IGD symptoms and associated psychosocial outcomes, while identifying underlying therapeutic mechanisms and research gaps.

RECENT FINDINGS: Across the literature, mindfulness meditation consistently outperformed Progressive Muscle Relaxation in reducing IGD severity, supported by neuroimaging evidence of improved prefrontal-striatal connectivity. Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement produced durable symptom reductions at three-month follow-up, while integrated yoga modules yielded broad improvements across IGD symptoms, psychological distress, and attentional control in adolescents. YBIs/MBIs demonstrate meaningful potential as adjunctive IGD treatments, particularly when integrated with CBT, with notable cultural adaptability across school and clinical settings. Future research should prioritize multi-site RCTs, standardized outcome batteries, and extended follow-up to establish standalone efficacy.