A method for controlling a discontinuous reception (DRX) in a mobile communication device is provided. According to the method, when a specific application is selected, the device activates a DRX setting timer having a long DRX period for a direct long DRX mode, and enters into the DRX mode. When the setting timer expires in the DRX mode, the device activates the setting timer again and receives control information from a base station in an on-duration zone. The device enters into the DRX mode in response to no reception of valid control information in the on-duration zone, or enters into a continuous mode for executing the specific application in response to reception of valid control information.