Neurobiological mechanisms underlying internet gaming disorder

Abstract

This review summarizes studies on the neurobiological correlates of internet gaming disorder (IGD), presently the most direct approach to analyzing the impact of digital technology and the internet on brain mechanisms. Brain imaging studies have shown that IGD shares, to a large extent, neurobiological alterations that are typical for other addictions, such as: (i) activation in brain regions associated with reward, as evident from cue exposure and craving studies and neurotransmitter systems studies that indicate an involvement of dopamine-mediated reward mechanisms; (ii) reduced activity in impulse control areas and impaired decision making; and (iii) reduced functional connectivity in brain networks that are involved in cognitive control, executive function, motivation, and reward. Moreover, there are structural changes, mainly reduction in gray-matter volume and white-matter density. Comorbidity studies indicate that executive control networks in attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may increase the susceptibility to develop IGD. Most importantly, this review also outlines findings that show the effects of excessive use of screens, here referring to the playing of computer games, which activate many brain regions associated with cognitive, motor, and sensory function and not directly involved in other forms of addiction. This review describes and summarizes comprehensively the neurobiological correlates of addictive internet use in adolescents and young adults.

Could virtual reality applications pose real risks to children and adolescents? A systematic review of ethical issues and concerns

“…Interventions aimed at problematic video-gaming could improve adolescents’ long-term cardio-metabolic health 26 Weinstein ( 2017 ) Review article * * Adolescents with IGD have shown an increased functional connectivity of several executive control brain regions that may related to comorbidity with ADHD and depression. The evidence supports the behavioural addiction model of IGD by showing structural and functional changes in the mechanisms of reward and craving (but not withdrawal) in IGD 27 Weinstein and Lejoyeux ( 2020 ) Review article * * This review summarized studies on the neurobiological correlates of IGD and addictive internet use in adolescents and young adults. Brain imaging has shown that IGD shares neurobiological alterations that are typical for other addictions.…”

“…“Gaming Disorder” (6C51) has recently been included in the beta version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) of WHO ( 2018 ), as well. Some studies concluded that IGD is associated with changes to the brain’s reward system and mechanisms of loss of control and inhibition, and therefore IGD is classified as a behavioural addiction (Weinstein 2017 ; Weinstein and Lejoyeux 2020 ). Weinstein and Lejoyeux ( 2020 ) reviewed studies on the neurobiological correlation of addictive Internet use in adolescents and young adults.…”

Excessive Smartphone Use Is Associated With Health Problems in Adolescents and Young Adults

“…In addition, there are few studies that have examined whether specific cognitive and motivational mechanisms could lead to a preference of a specific type of device. Nevertheless, recent studies show that excessive use of the screens including, computer screens and smartphones is associated with serious mental problems and cognitive impairments (91,92). Therefore, we argue that research should focus on the negative consequences of excessive smartphone use rather than on whether it should be considered as a behavioral addiction.…”

Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on screen media use in patients referred for ADHD to child and adolescent psychiatry: an introduction to problematic use of the internet in ADHD and results of a survey

“…Prevalence rates of IGD range between 1 and 15%, depending on sample characteristics, age and country (Durkee et al 2012 ; Gentile et al 2017 ; Paulus et al 2018 ). Individuals with IGD/GD share neurobiological alterations typical for ADHD, such as in brain regions associated with dopamine-mediated reward mechanisms (Weinstein et al 2020 ), reduced activity in impulse control areas, and dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex (Brand et al 2016 ; Rubia 2018 ).…”