Autonomic Nervous System and Brain Circuitry for Internet Addiction

Abstract

The autonomic nervous system can be divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. The activation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic nervous systems in Internet addiction is similar to that in drug addiction. The sympathetic division is more strongly reactive, with responses in internal glands and bodily organs and acceleration of heart rate (or blood volume pulse) and respiratory response rate as well as a reduction of temperature, while surfing the Internet. However, contradictory data have also been obtained. Decelerations of skin conductance have also been observed in Internet addiction, showing activity of the parasympathetic division, but not the sympathetic division. Drug addiction produces greater activation of the sympathetic nervous system, but less activation of the parasympathetic system. The autonomic nervous system reciprocally connects to neural circuitry in the brain to modulate both systems, reflecting specific features of Internet addiction. Moreover, Internet addiction induces numerous behavioral and psychopathological symptoms related to pathogenesis, including depression, anxiety, hostility, psychoticism, interpersonal sensitivity, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, novelty seeking, and social anxiety disorder. Therapeutic interventions for Internet addiction, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, need to be linked to psychopathological symptoms. The autonomic nervous system, brain circuitry pathogenesis, and specific interventions targeting Internet addiction are discussed in the present review article.