Mapping the landscape of telemedicine and technology in behavioral addiction treatment: A bibliometric review

Background Behavioral addiction (BA) involves compulsive behaviors causing distress or interference with normal functions, akin to substance addiction. Presently, only gambling and gaming disorders are recognized, necessitating further exploration into behaviors like binge-eating, shopping, and internet addiction. Telemedicine, utilizing information and communication technologies, offers remote healthcare services. Reviews on internet-based interventions for BA show mixed efficacy, particularly for gambling disorder. However, research predominantly focuses on gambling, neglecting other BAs. This bibliometric review aims to map research trends and highlight gaps, emphasizing the need for broader telemedicine interventions beyond internet-based treatments. Objectives Examine the existing literature regarding telemedicine and technology-driven interventions for BA by analyzing the current research status and delineating publication patterns. Furthermore, highlight possible future research directions. Results Analysis revealed increasing research output, notably from Asian countries. Virtual reality (VR) interventions for gaming addiction and smartphone applications for managing addictive behaviors emerged prominently. Research gaps exist, particularly for other BA types. Conclusions Telemedicine and technology show promise for BA treatment, especially in gambling disorder. However, research gaps remain, necessitating further investigation across diverse BA types and populations. This review provides insights into the evolving landscape of telemedicine and technology in BA treatment, highlighting the need for continued research.