We aimed to find the differences in memory capabilities between pornography-addicted and nonaddicted juveniles. We enrolled 30 juveniles (12–16 y) consisting of 15 pornography addiction and 15 nonaddiction subjects. We used Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) to measure verbal memory, Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCFT) for visual memory, along with Trail Making Test A and B (TMT-A and TMT-B) for attention. We found a significant reduction in the RAVLT A6 result of the addiction group (nonaddiction vs addiction: 13.47 ± 2.00 vs 11.67 ± 2.44, MD = −1.80, p=0.04), but not in ROCFT or attention tests. Analysis in sex subgroups yielded no sex-specific difference. We concluded that pornography addiction may be associated with impaired recent verbal memory in juveniles, regardless of sex and without association to attention.

Background and aimsImperil by the convenience of information and knowledge access, children exposed to pornography have worsened. As such, this study aims to gain insight into brain connectivity and cognitive function effect of pornography addiction in juveniles, as the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to specifically learn about memory function in juvenile’s pornography addiction.MethodsWe screened 30 juveniles with 4 dropouts (13 non-addiction vs 13 addiction group). Subjects underwent neuropsychiatric tests (memory, attention, and intelligence) and fMRI image acquisition. We carried correlation analysis of brain connectivity and neuropsychiatric test results.ResultsSignificant disconnection between left hippocampus to ACC (Z-transformed r-value, non-addiction vs addiction = 0.07 ± 0.19 vs −0.08 ± 0.17, p=0.04, cohen d=0.83) followed by worse verbal recent memory in pornography addicted juveniles (RAVLT A6 sub-score, p < 0.01, d=0.67; A7 sub-score, p=0.01). Attention and intelligence test resulted to insignificant correlation.DiscussionThis data-driven analysis result strongly promotes the involvement of cortico-subcortical systems in pornography addiction, emphasizing the role of reward system pathology, indifferent to addiction pathophysiology in general. Decline in working memory, which are maintained by corticolimbic network, including hippocampus and ACC, affects goal-oriented behaviour greatly. This, correspond to our significant result of addiction group’s decline in memory, regardless of its association with attention and intelligence.ConclusionDisconnection between left hippocampus to ACC suggested similar neurobiological abnormalities as seen on other addictive disorders. Its disconnection was also correlated with worse verbal recent memory in pornography addicted juveniles, without affecting attention and intelligence, results showed.

Background and aimsIncreasing popularity of Internet has exposed our children pornography addiction. As in other types of addiction, it affects a brain region known as prefrontal cortex (PFC), which is important in executive functions and inhibitory control. However, this region was loosely defined, and there was no consensus for that definition. We aimed to use volumetric MRI in finding the defining region of PFC which would be suitable in distinguishing pornography addicted juveniles.MethodsWe enrolled 30 juveniles (12-16 y.o.) consisting of 15 pornography addiction and 15 non-addiction subjects. We proposed several models of PFC definition from mix-and-matched subregions, consisting of orbitofrontal (OFC), inferior frontal gyrus (IFG; pars orbitalis, opercularis, and triangularis), dorsolateral PFC (DLPFC), and anterior cingulate (ACC). Suitable PFC definition was defined as models which volume statistically different between both groups. Brain volumetric was measured using 3D-T1 3T MRI images and analyzed using FreeSurfer® for automatic cortical reconstruction and brain segmentation (recon-all command).ResultsWe found significant differences between groups in 6 models, which mainly included OFC, ACC, and DLPFC, with models devoid of DLPFC had lowest mean differences.ConclusionThe most suitable definition of PFC for pornography addiction study should consist of OFC, ACC, and especially DLPFC. Inferior frontal gyrus pars orbitalis was not necessary for this purpose, but may increase effect size if it is included.