An Update Overview on Brain Imaging Studies of Internet Gaming Disorder

Abstract

There are a growing number of studies on structural and functional brain mechanisms underlying Internet gaming disorder (IGD). Recent functional magnetic resonance imaging studies showed that IGD adolescents and adults had reduced gray matter volume in regions associated with attention motor coordination executive function and perception. Adolescents with IGD showed lower white matter (WM) integrity measures in several brain regions that are involved in decision-making, behavioral inhibition, and emotional regulation. IGD adolescents had also disruption in the functional connectivity in areas responsible for learning memory and executive function, processing of auditory, visual, and somatosensory stimuli and relay of sensory and motor signals. IGD adolescents also had decreased functional connectivity of PFC-striatal circuits, increased risk-taking choices, and impaired ability to control their impulses similar to other impulse control disorders. Recent studies indicated that altered executive control mechanisms in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) would be a predisposition for developing IGD. Finally, patients with IGD have also shown an increased functional connectivity of several executive control brain regions that may related to comorbidity with ADHD and depression. The behavioral addiction model argues that IGD shows the features of excessive use despite adverse consequences, withdrawal phenomena, and tolerance that characterize substance use disorders. The evidence supports the behavioral addiction model of IGD by showing structural and functional changes in the mechanisms of reward and craving (but not withdrawal) in IGD. Future studies need to investigate WM density and functional connectivity in IGD in order to validate these findings. Furthermore, more research is required about the similarity in neurochemical and neurocognitive brain circuits in IGD and comorbid conditions such as ADHD and depression.

The Modulation of Reward and Habit Systems by Acupuncture in Adolescents with Internet Addiction

“…Resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC), identifying abnormal networks of brain areas exhibiting synchronous blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) fluctuations, was extensively used in psychiatric research, including substance addiction [19] and IA [20]. Using rsFC analysis, previous studies have revealed the abnormal functional interaction within the VS-frontal circuit in IA [12] and demonstrated the normalization of the ventral striatal network after a virtual reality treatment in adolescents with IA [21].…”

Sexual Desire, Mood, Attachment Style, Impulsivity, and Self-Esteem as Predictive Factors for Addictive Cybersex (Preprint)

“…Among men, 79.3% (n=69) reported being heterosexual, 6.9% (n=6) homosexual, and 13.8% (n=12) bisexual, and among women, 75.9% (n= 44) reported being heterosexual, 8.6% (n=5) homosexual, and 15.5% (n=9) bisexual.…”

“…Similar to those who engage in other Internet-related behaviors such as gaming [7][8][9], however, some cybersex users may develop excessive patterns of use with possible negative consequences [10,11].…”

Internet addiction: a new addiction?

“…Precuneus activation creates visual, imaginary, attention, and memory processes, which later are followed by happy memory coding by the parahippocampal area. [15][16][17][18]…”

“…After cessation of excessive internet usage, activity in the right DLPFC and left parahippocampal gyrus appeared lower than before. 15,16 Internet addiction creates a serious problem for the mental and physical development of teenagers, therefore an accurate diagnostic tool is needed so that treatment can be administered immediately, because, as with most behavioral problems, the earlier the condition can be identified, the easier it is to correct. Moreover, it is also important to distinguish between normal child or adolescent behavior from which is pathologic and requires therapeutic intervention.…”