Structural alterations in the prefrontal cortex mediate the relationship between Internet gaming disorder and depressed mood

Abstract

Adaptive gaming use has positive effects, whereas depression has been reported to be prevalent in Internet gaming disorder (IGD). However, the neural correlates underlying the association between depression and Internet gaming remain unclear. Moreover, the neuroanatomical profile of the striatum in IGD is relatively less clear despite its important role in addiction. We found lower gray matter (GM) density in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in the IGD group than in the Internet gaming control (IGC) group and non-gaming control (NGC) group, and the GM density was associated with lifetime usage of Internet gaming, depressed mood, craving, and impulsivity in the gaming users. Striatal volumetric analysis detected a significant reduction in the right nucleus accumbens (NAcc) in the IGD group and its association with lifetime usage of gaming and depression. These findings suggest that alterations in the brain structures involved in the reward system are associated with IGD-related behavioral characteristics. Furthermore, the DLPFC, involved in cognitive control, was observed to serve as a mediator in the association between prolonged gaming and depressed mood. This finding may provide insight into an intervention strategy for treating IGD with comorbid depression.

Internet Communication Disorder and the structure of the human brain: initial insights on WeChat addiction

“…Higher levels of self-reported addictive symptoms and more frequent usage (of the paying service) were associated with lower gray matter volumes in the ventral (subgenual) ACC and NAc, respectively. A similar relationship between higher levels of addictive symptoms or more excessive patterns of use and volume reductions in these regions has been repeatedly reported in substance addiction 44 as well as behavioral addictions including generalized Internet addiction 47 and Internet gaming disorder 67 , 68 . Together with previous research on the brain structural correlates of excessive social media and messenger use 34 – 36 the present findings suggest that structural alterations in the fronto-striatal-limbic circuitry represent a common denominator across different types of digital addiction, including Internet Communication Disorder.…”

Abnormal gray matter volume and impulsivity in young adults with Internet gaming disorder

“…Recent structural imaging study on IGD reported significant association between gray matter density in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and lifetime usage of Internet gaming (Choi et al . ). These findings coincided with the assumption that long‐term gaming during adolescence would have an effect on prefrontal cortex.…”

Prevalence and associated factors of internet gaming disorder among secondary school students in rural community, Thailand: a cross-sectional study

“…The individual may feel depressed, stressed or anxious by the events in the real world and may choose to use the The device most used for internet access 0.046 virtual world (where they feel safe and secure) to escape these feelings. Another interpretation may be that internet gaming disorder causes depression, stress and anxiety due to its impact on an individual's neuro-circuitry [26][27][28]. Further studies employing a different design that would be able to explain the causal relationship should be conducted to make a more valid conclusion.…”