Current Advances in Behavioral Addictions: From Fundamental Research to Clinical Practice
This narrative review examines five behavioral addictions (gambling disorder, internet gaming disorder, compulsive sexual behavior, compulsive buying-shopping, and problematic social media use), their clinical relevance, diagnostic validation, and frequent comorbidity with depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy demonstrates the strongest empirical support for treatment, as no medications have regulatory approval for behavioral addictions, highlighting the need for enhanced screening and public health approaches.