Addictive Behaviors Research Articles

Primary Prevention of Addictive Behavior of Patients Encountered in the Practice of General Practitioners and Family Doctors

The article presents the results of a theoretical study of the problem of increasing the effectiveness of preventive activities of general practitioners and family doctors by developing a technology for the primary prevention of addictive behavior in patients using the method of developing personal self-regulation and a method for developing the competencies of doctors in preventing addictive behavior in patients using medical simulation.

Examining the relationship between public stigma, models of addiction, and addictive disorders

Background The stigmatization of addiction has been identified as a barrier to treatment-seeking among individuals with substance use concerns. Although some evidence exists that beliefs in different models of addiction (MOAs) are associated with stigma, the research is limited in several ways. The aim of the current study is to understand the relationship between different MOAs and public stigma toward substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. Method Participants were 755 adults who completed an online survey on MTurk (Mage = 36.2, SD = 10.1, 40.3% women, 59.4% men) and were randomized to one of four vignette conditions describing an individual with alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, problem gambling disorder, or diabetes. Participants completed measures assessing perceived stigma toward the vignette character and beliefs related to five MOAs (disease, moral, psychological, sociological, nature). Results Stigma ratings were significantly higher in the alcohol and opioid use disorder conditions compared to the problem gambling and diabetes conditions. Greater beliefs in the disease MOA were associated with greater stigma in the problem gambling condition, whereas greater beliefs in the moral MOA were associated with greater stigma in all addiction conditions. Greater beliefs in the psychological MOA were associated with lower stigma in the opioid use disorder and problem gambling conditions. Conclusions The current study provides further support that addictive disorders are more stigmatized than other health disorders and suggests that beliefs in specific MOAs are differentially associated with stigma. Interventions addressing addiction stigma may consider incorporating information emphasizing MOAs that are less stigmatizing.

Study protocol of a proposed Neurofeedback-Assisted Mindfulness Training Program on symptoms of anxiety and psychological distress associated with smartphone use in young adults: a randomized controlled trial.

Nomophobia is a specific phobia characterized by the appearance of anxiety, nervousness, discomfort and distress when the mobile phone is not used and is considered an emerging public health problem because of the negative consequences on the physical and mental health of young people and adolescents, especially women. Neurofeedback-Assisted Mindfulness Training Programs may prove beneficials for improving self-control abilities, a key ability in addressing addictive behaviors. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact, in a young population aged 18-35 years, of an intervention based on Neurofeedback-Assisted Mindfulness Training Program (NAMTP) on disorders associated with problematic use of mobile phones. The effect of the intervention on the total score in the nomophobia test and habits of internet and social network use, as well as on signs of depression, anxiety and stress will be analyzed. As a secondary objective, the effect of the intervention on signs of insomnia will be analyzed. Randomized, controlled clinical-trial with two-parallel groups. 40 young adults (18-35 years) will be included and randomly assigned to Intervention Group-NAMTP or Control Group (CG). The NAMTP will include a total of 25 sessions (2-3/week) during 3-months. Each session will have a duration of 10/15 min. The instrument to be used for the neurofeedback sessions is MUSE® (InteraXon Inc.). Study variables will be collected at the baseline visit and at the final visit (3-months after randomization). During these visits, questionnaires will be administered to evaluate the main and secondary variables that will include the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, Nomophobia Questionnaire, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21-item (DASS-21) and Athens Insomnia Scale. This trial will make an important contribution to the need for evidence of effective education programs and other primary care interventions through new non-invasive interventions in reducing the risk of developing addictions to new technologies and alleviating the symptoms of discomfort associated with this problem. The project was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Salamanca Health Area (CEIm Code: PI 2023 071340). ClinicalTrials.gov, http://www.Clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06188910.

Rewarding properties of L-Dopa in experimental parkinsonism are mediated by sensitized dopamine D1 receptors in the dorsal striatum.

Treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) is based on the use of dopaminergic drugs, such as L-Dopa and dopamine receptor agonists. These substances counteract motor symptoms, but their administration is accompanied by motor and non-motor complications. Among these latter conditions a neurobehavioral disorder similar to drug abuse, known as dopamine dysregulation syndrome (DDS), is attracting increasing interest because of its profound negative impact on the patients' quality of life. Here we replicate DDS in a PD mouse model based on a bilateral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the dorsal striatum. Administration of L-Dopa induced locomotor sensitization and conditioned place preference in 6-OHDA lesion, but not in control mice, indicative of the acquisition of addictive-like properties following nigrostriatal dopamine depletion. These behavioral effects were accompanied by abnormal dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) signaling in the medium spiny neurons of the dorsal striatum, leading to hyperactivation of multiple signaling cascades and increased expression of ΔFosB, a stable transcription factor involved in addictive behavior. Systemic administration of the D1R antagonist, SCH23390, abolished these effects and the development of place preference, thereby counteracting the psychostimulant-like effect of L-Dopa. The rewarding properties of L-Dopa were also prevented by chemogenetic inactivation of D1R-expressing neurons in the dorsal striatum. Our results indicate the association between abnormal D1R-mediated transmission and DDS in PD and identify potential approaches for the treatment of this disorder.

How are illness representations of gambling disorder associated with gambling behaviors? A latent profile analysis

Gambling disorder (GD) is a behavioral addiction that causes serious harm to individuals’ mental health and social functioning. This study aimed to explore whether gamblers’ illness representations (IR) for GD are related to disordered and/or controlled patterns of gambling under the framework of commonsense model of self-regulation (CSM). Based on CSM, different facets of IR do not exist in isolation but together form a total illness schema; we hence used a person-centered analysis method, latent profile analysis (LPA), to classify gamblers by their overall IR for GD (including consequences, personal and treatment control, timeline cyclical, emotional representations, and coherence) into groups and then tested whether these groups differed in GD symptoms, controlled gambling behaviors, and help-seeking intention. An anonymous online survey was conducted on a social media platform, and valid responses from 589 past-year adult gamblers were collected. LPA results supported a four-profile model, revealing four profiles of GD representations: the weak-perception profile, average profile, tensed-up profile, and rational profile. Significant differences were found in all outcome variables in these four profile groups. In particular, the rational group exhibited the lowest levels of GD symptoms and impaired behavioral control, the highest levels of responsible and controlled gambling, and the highest levels of help-seeking intention, whereas the weak-perception group reported the lowest levels of responsible and controlled gambling behaviors. The findings provide empirical support for the application of CSM to addictive behaviors, as well as preliminary evidence for the potential use of CSM-based interventions for GD prevention.

Comorbidity, Eating Behaviors and Smartphone Addiction in Italian Nurses' Characteristics.

Evidence suggested how nurses experienced worse lifestyles than the general population by recording deterioration rates in healthy conditions. To assess differences between comorbidity, eating behavior, and smartphone addiction according to sex, Body Mass Index (BMI), age, work experience, shift, alcohol assumption, and physical activity in Italian nurses. An online questionnaire was spread through some professional internet pages. Data included demographic characteristics, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), the Italian Version of the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire, and the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS-SV). A total of 456 nurses were recruited. Significant differences were registered in the smartphone addiction score (p=0.030) and BMI scores and work experience (p=0.001), as underweight participants reported higher scores in the smartphone addiction attitude (2.4714 ± 1.25812) than the other subjects and also participants with the highest number of years in work experience also reported higher smartphone addiction scores (2.8074 ± 1.2022). Significant difference was reported in the CCI scores according to age (p<0.001): subjects aged over 61 years recorded higher scores in the CCI (1.67 ± 1.528) and also according to work experience and CCI scores (p<0.001), as participants employed between 21 and 30 years reported higher scores in the CCI (1.27 ± 1.382) and also to night shift (p=0.037), as participants who worked during the night shift also reported higher scores in the CCI. A significant difference was reported only for restrained eating attitude (p=0.034), as participants who declared to assume alcohol 2-3 times per month recorded higher levels in this eating attitude aspect (32.32 ± 7.181). Female nurses, overweight and obese nurses with low physical activity practice, seemed to spend more time with their smartphones. Healthcare organizations should consider findings to prevent unhealthy lifestyles among nurses, which could negatively influence the whole healthcare system.

Melatonin Regulates Neuronal Synaptic Plasticity in the Supramammillary Nucleus and Attenuates Methamphetamine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference and Sensitization in Mice.

Methamphetamine (METH) is an addictive drug that threatens human health. The supramammillary nucleus (SuM) and its neural circuits play key roles in the regulation of spatial memory retrieval, and hippocampal contextual or social memory. Melatonin (MLT), a pineal hormone, can regulate hypothalamic-neurohypophysial activity. Our previous study showed that MLT attenuates METH-induced locomotor sensitization. However, whether MLT regulates SuM function and participates in METH-induced contextual memory retrieval remains unclear. Using a mouse model of METH-conditioned place preference (CPP) and sensitization, we found that METH activated c-Fos expression and elevated calcium (Ca²⁺) levels in SuM neurons. Chemogenetic inhibition of SuM attenuates CPP and sensitization. Pretreatment with MLT decreased c-Fos expression and Ca2+ levels in the SuM and reversed METH-induced addictive behavior, effects that were blocked with the selective MT2 receptors antagonist 4P-PDOT and the MT1 receptors antagonist S26131. Furthermore, MLT reduced SuM synaptic plasticity, glutamate (Glu) release, and neuronal oscillations caused by METH, which were blocked by 4P-PDOT. In conclusion, our data revealed that MLT regulates neuronal synaptic plasticity in the SuM, likely through the MLT receptors (MTs), and plays a role in modulating METH-addictive behavior.

Личностные факторы риска развития интернет-зависимости у подростков 15–17 лет

Internet addiction formation and manifestations are a relevant trend in contemporary research. It is important to identify adolescents who have risk of developing Internet addiction so that early interventions can be made and certain impacts can be exerted on personal characteristics that contribute to formation of persistent addictive behavior able to affect health. The aim of this study was to establish personal risk factors of developing Internet addiction in adolescents aged 15–17 years. A comprehensive study was carried out on 407 adolescents aged 15–17 years who attended comprehensive secondary schools in Ivanovo. To assess the Internet addiction in adolescents, S. Chen’s method was used; personal characteristics of adolescents were determined using the Eysenck test. Mental performance was assessed based on the results of proofreading tests (M.V. Antropova); academic performance was estimated per the average score. Data were statistically analyzed using conventional methods of variation statistics. High neuroticism, introversion in girls, and centroversion in boys are risk factors able to cause formation of Internet ad-diction in adolescents; an increase in the severity of neuroticism in these groups combined with a decrease in accuracy, mental performance and academic performance is also a risk factor of Internet addiction in adolescents aged 15–17 years. A direct correlation was found between the Internet addiction score and the level of neuroticism. At risk of Internet addiction, introversion was detected in girls more often than in boys, and extraversion and high neuroticism were detected in the group with Internet addiction. Boys with Internet addiction were more likely to have centroversion than girls. Adolescents with severe Internet addiction had the lowest levels of accuracy and mental performance quotient and lower academic performance. High neuroticism, introversion in girls, centroversion in boys, an increase in the severity of neuroticism, a decrease in accuracy, mental performance and academic performance are risk factors of Internet addiction formation in adolescents. This justifies the need to carry out sanitary and hygienic measures that should involve development of standards for safe Internet use and inclusion of psycho-prophylaxis

Personal risk factors of internet addiction in adolescents aged 15–17 years

Internet addiction formation and manifestations are a relevant trend in contemporary research. It is important to identify adolescents who have risk of developing Internet addiction so that early interventions can be made and certain impacts can be exerted on personal characteristics that contribute to formation of persistent addictive behavior able to affect health. The aim of this study was to establish personal risk factors of developing Internet addiction in adolescents aged 15–17 years. A comprehensive study was carried out on 407 adolescents aged 15–17 years who attended comprehensive secondary schools in Ivanovo. To assess the Internet addiction in adolescents, S. Chen’s method was used; personal characteristics of adolescents were determined using the Eysenck test. Mental performance was assessed based on the results of proofreading tests (M.V. Antropova); academic performance was estimated per the average score. Data were statistically analyzed using conventional methods of variation statistics. High neuroticism, introversion in girls, and centroversion in boys are risk factors able to cause formation of Internet ad-diction in adolescents; an increase in the severity of neuroticism in these groups combined with a decrease in accuracy, mental performance and academic performance is also a risk factor of Internet addiction in adolescents aged 15–17 years. A direct correlation was found between the Internet addiction score and the level of neuroticism. At risk of Internet addiction, introversion was detected in girls more often than in boys, and extraversion and high neuroticism were detected in the group with Internet addiction. Boys with Internet addiction were more likely to have centroversion than girls. Adolescents with severe Internet addiction had the lowest levels of accuracy and mental performance quotient and lower academic performance. High neuroticism, introversion in girls, centroversion in boys, an increase in the severity of neuroticism, a decrease in accuracy, mental performance and academic performance are risk factors of Internet addiction formation in adolescents. This justifies the need to carry out sanitary and hygienic measures that should involve development of standards for safe Internet use and inclusion of psycho-prophylaxis

Scrolling through adolescence: unveiling the relationship of the use of social networks and its addictive behavior with psychosocial health

BackgroundUnderstanding the relationship of social network use and addictive behaviors with adolescent psychosocial health is crucial in today’s digital age.AimTo verify the associations between social network use, messaging applications, and the addictive behaviors to social network with psychosocial health in Spanish adolescents.MethodsA cross-sectional study was developed with 632 adolescents, aged 12 to 17 years from the Region of Murcia, Spain. The assessment of social network use (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok) involved evaluating the frequency of use of each social network individually using a single-item scale with five response options. WhatsApp use (i.e., a messaging application) was evaluated in the same manner. The Short Social Networks Addiction Scale-6 Symptoms was employed to assess potential addictive behaviors to social network use. The psychosocial health was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Generalized linear regression models were conducted, and predictive probabilities of having psychosocial health problems were calculated.ResultsThe predicted probability of presenting psychosocial health problems in the medium users and high users of social networks was 19.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 13.0 to 27.7), and 16.2% (95% CI 10.2 to 24.6) higher compared to low users, respectively. High usage of Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook was associated with increased probabilities of psychosocial health problems, with Facebook showing the highest probabilities, at 31.3% (95% CI 14.8 to 54.2) for medium users and 51.9% (95% CI 26.5 to 76.3) for high users. Additionally, adolescents with addictive behaviors to social network use had from 19.0 to 25.2% probabilities of experiencing psychosocial health problems. Finally, the highest probabilities of having psychosocial health problems were identified in adolescents with high addictive behaviors when using social networks (28.9%; 95% CI 19.3 to 40.8%) and the lowest in those with low addictive behaviors (6.8%; 95% CI 3.3 to 13.6%).ConclusionAdolescents who use social networks more frequently and exhibit more addictive behaviors related to their use are more likely to experience psychosocial health problems compared to those who do not. Facebook showed the strongest association, followed by Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok. Our data also revealed that adolescents exhibit various signs of addictive behaviors to social network use.

A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON FACTORS INFLUENCING &amp; EFFECT OF INTERNET ADDICTION AMONG ADOLESCENTS, URBAN MAHABUBNAGAR, TELANGANA

Introduction: Internet addiction is when a person has a compulsive need to spend a great deal of time on the internet to the point where other areas of life are allowed to suffer.2The vulnerability of adolescence might result in some addictive behaviors and the internet is one among them.4, so it is important to recognize the factors influencing and effect of internet addiction among adolescents. Methodology: A Cross-sectional study was conducted in the Urban field practicing area of Government Medical College, Mahbubnagar among 150 students studying in 8th, 9th, 10th standards, Intermediate and Degree.Data was collected using pre-tested semi structured questionnaire, and analyzed using MS Excel. Results: Among the study participants, easy accessibility to internet is the most common factor influencing internet addiction followed by having own electronic gadget, having own social media account. Among many effects of Internet addiction, sleep disturbance is most significant followed by drop in academic performance. Conclusion: Present study conclude that majority of the study population are addicted to internet which is found to have a powerful impact on adolescents physical and mental health. Potential factors influencing Internet addiction are easy access, having own social media account.

Depression, anxiety, and stress in young adult gamers and their relationship with addictive behaviors: A latent profile analysis

BackgroundThere is limited research examining latent profiles of gamers based on emotional variables, which has implications for prevention efforts. The study sought to identify young adult gamer profiles based on depression, anxiety, and stress, and to examine differences between the latent profiles in other addictive behaviors (i.e., tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, illegal substance use, gaming, and gambling). MethodsA total of 1209 young adults (Mage = 19.37, SD = 1.62; 55.3%males) reported past-year gaming. A latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed to identify distinct profiles, and a set of ANOVA and chi-square analyses characterized the profiles in terms of sociodemographic, addictive behaviors, and emotional variables. ResultsLPA suggested a three-profile solution: profile 1 (n = 660, ‘low emotional distress’), profile 2 (n = 377, ‘moderate emotional distress’), and profile 3 (n = 172, ‘high emotional distress’). Participants with ‘moderate’ and ‘high emotional distress’ were mostly women, showed greater gaming severity, higher prevalence of past-month substance use (i.e., tobacco and illegal drugs), and greater consequences of alcohol use. LimitationsThe cross-sectional nature of the study and sample being university students. ConclusionFindings revealed three distinct profiles of gamers, which differed in emotional, gaming, and substance use severity. Transdiagnostic prevention programs have the potential to provide significant benefits to college students by addressing the core processes (e.g., emotion regulation) that underlie substance use and gaming.

Psychological Characteristics of Adolescents with Varying Degrees of Tendency to Internet Addiction

Introduction. This article is dedicated to studying psychological characteristics of modern adolescents with different severity of the tendency to Internet addictive behavior. In the course of the study, theoretical and empirical material concerning the problem of deviant behavior was generalized. Also, individual psychological characteristics of adolescents and the influence of varying degrees of severity of Internet addiction on young people’s meaning of life orientations were identified. The novelty of this study lies in the fact that for the first time, a set of psychological diagnostic techniques aimed at studying the meaningful orientations of adolescents with Internet addiction was formulated and tested.Purpose. Studying psychological characteristics of adolescents with varying degrees of tendency to Internet addiction. Materials and Methods. As part of the empirical study, the following standardized methods were used: the questionnaire “Behavior on the Internet” by A. E. Zhichkina, the methodology “Questionnaire for studying the level of aggressiveness of Bass-Darka”, “Test of meaningful life orientations (SMO)” by D. A. Leontiev, the methodology “Self-assessment of mental states” by G. Eysenck. Mathematical processing of the obtained data was carried out using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. The data was processed using the computer program “SPSS” 17.0 for Windows”.Results. The respondents were 120 teenagers studying in general education institutions of the city of Rostov-on-Don. As a result of the study, it was found that the indicators of aggression are least pronounced in adolescents prone to Internet addiction. In respondents without a tendency to addictive behavior, anxiety and frustration were found to be the least.Discussion. In the group of Internet-dependent adolescents, almost all the main aspects of personality show low indicators, which reflects negative impact of the Internet on formation of individual psychological characteristics of adolescents. The hypothesis of adolescents’ tendency to Internet addiction being associated with peculiarities of meaningful life orientations has been confirmed.

Probiotics-role in alleviating the impact of alcohol liver disease and alcohol deaddiction: a systematic review.

There are few efficient treatment options for alcohol addiction, which continues to be a serious public health concern. The possible contribution of gut microbiota to the onset and progression of alcohol addiction has been brought to light by recent studies. Probiotics have become a cutting-edge intervention in the treatment of alcohol consumption disorder because of its favorable effects on gut health. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the body of research on the advantages of probiotics in treating alcoholism and associated neuroinflammatory conditions. To find pertinent research published from January 2012 to 2023, a thorough search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Web of Science, was carried out. Included were studies looking at how probiotics affect neuroinflammation, gut- brain axis regulation, alcohol addiction, and related behaviors. Several investigations have shown how beneficial probiotics are in reducing systemic inflammation and alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Probiotic treatments successfully corrected the imbalance of microbiota, decreased intestinal permeability, and stopped the passage of bacterial constituents such lipopolysaccharides (LPS) into the bloodstream. Additionally, probiotics helped to regulate neurotransmitter pathways, especially those connected to GABA, glutamate, and dopamine, which are intimately linked to behaviors related to addiction. Furthermore, it was shown that probiotics altered the expression of neurotransmitter signaling and dopamine receptors. There is strong evidence from this systematic study that probiotics have potential advantages in treating alcohol addiction. The potential of probiotic therapies is demonstrated by the way they modulate important neurotransmitter pathways implicated in addiction, decrease neuroinflammation, and restore the balance of gut flora. To fully investigate the therapeutic potential of probiotics in treating alcohol addiction and enhancing the general wellbeing of those afflicted by this condition, more research is necessary.

ASSOCIATION OF INTERNET GAMING ADDICTION WITH INDICATORS OF DEPRESSION ON THE HADS SCALE AMONG MEDICAL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

In recent years advances in gaming technology and a significant increase in Internet connection speeds have made online games more attractive and accessible. According to the available literature, excessive involvement in this type of Internet content can lead to stress, depression, anxiety, personal problems and a significant risk of suicidal behavior. Numerous studies have reported high rates of depression among medical students worldwide, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to its formation. Purpose. To establish relationships between indicators of depression, determined by the HADS questionnaire, and Internet gaming addiction among students studying at a medical university. Materials and methods. The survey involved 244 boys and girls studying in the 3rd year of medical university. The presence of Internet gaming addiction, as well as the identification of depressive disorders with an assessment of the degree of their severity, was established using the Russian-language versions of the Game Addiction Scale for Adolescents (GASA) and The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaires. Results. According to the data obtained, the presence of Internet gaming addiction was identified in 7,4% of the examined students. Among the surveyed male students, this type of Internet addictive behavior was more common (10,6%) compared to female students (6,2%). Indicators of depression of varying severity, determined by the HADS questionnaire, were identified in 16,0% of the examined students. Moreover, among female students the frequency of identified depression was higher (17,4%) compared to male students (12,1%). It was found that more than half of students with depressive disorders (55,6%) suffered from Internet gaming addiction. It was noted that the number of patients with depressive disorders in combination with this type of Internet addictive behavior was higher in comparison with persons without Internet gaming addiction, both among male students (57,1% vs 42,9%), and among girls (54,5% vs 45,5%), respectively. Conclusion. Relationships have been established between indicators of depression, determined by the HADS questionnaire, and Internet gaming addiction among students studying at a medical university.

How to Treat Compulsive Facets of Behavioural Addictions

How to Treat Compulsive Facets of Behavioural Addictions

The interplay of ADHD, social media usage, and dopamine receptors in adolescents: A literature review

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by symptoms such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, with a prevalence rate exceeding 5%. The pathophysiology of ADHD includes cognitive and functional brain abnormalities, particularly in the anterior cingulate gyrus and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, as well as decreased activity in the frontostriatal region. Diagnosis involves comprehensive assessments based on behavioral criteria outlined in the DSM-5. Treatment primarily includes stimulant medications, which are effective in about 70% of patients, and non-stimulant options such as atomoxetine and antidepressants. The review explores the effects of social media on adolescents, highlighting both negative impacts, such as social isolation, depression, and cyberbullying, and positive aspects, such as enhanced communication and knowledge sharing. Adolescents with ADHD are particularly vulnerable to behavioral addictions due to their poor impulse control, making them susceptible to excessive social media use. Additionally, the role of D2-dopamine receptors in ADHD is discussed, noting that genetic components like the DRD2 gene can affect dopamine neurotransmission, impacting attention and pleasure experiences. The pleasure principle, as proposed by Freud, is also analyzed in the context of ADHD, suggesting that individuals with ADHD may engage in behaviors that provide immediate gratification to avoid discomfort. Therefore, this review underscores the correlation between ADHD symptoms, social media usage, dopamine receptor function, and the underlying psychological drives in adolescents, providing a comprehensive understanding of these interrelated factors.

Intolerance of uncertainty and internet addiction among college students in China post-pandemic era: the mediating role of future anxiety

Due to the repeated changes in the COVID-19 pandemic, we live in an era of various uncertainties that raise future anxiety and behavioral addiction problems. According to the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), the present study attempted to explore the impact of COVID-19 intolerance of uncertainty (COVID-19 IU) on internet addiction (IA) among college students and the mediating role of future anxiety (FA) by constructing a mediating model. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 679 Chinese college students and PROCESS 3.5 was utilized to test the hypotheses. The results indicated that the COVID-19 IU was significantly positively correlated with IA and FA, and FA was significantly positively correlated with IA. COVID-19 IU had a significant positive predictive effect on IA; FA played a complementary partial mediating role between COVID-19 IU and IA. The results supported the PMT, which not only enriched our understanding of FA under uncertain life circumstances, but also deepened our understanding of the potential mechanisms of the effects of IA. Finally, discussions and suggestions were presented based on the results.

Gaming Disorders: Navigating the Fine Line between Entertainment and Addiction-Gaming History, Health Risks, Social Consequences, and Pathways to Prevention.

The number of people immersed in excessive gaming has increased in this age of rapid digitalization. The World Health Organization and American Psychiatric Association Organization recognize a gaming disorder as a condition that results in significant problems in daily life as a result of excessive gaming. Both organizations emphasize the similarities to behavioral addictions such as gambling. We examined the appropriate usage of video games from the perspectives of health and management in this study. For the general population, video games provide positive impacts such as stress alleviation and memory improvement. Game playing leads to a loss of time and money for the individual. It also has a negative impact on the individual's family and social life, evolving into a social problem. Gaming addiction is often accompanied by psychological disorders and other addictions, and long-term medical treatment, including approaches to the individual's psychological background and cognitive-behavioral therapy, is necessary. Therefore, the prevention of gaming disorder is essential. From a societal standpoint, action is required in three contexts: the government, game developers, and within the household as a whole. Simultaneously, the public needs to understand the positive potential of gaming, such as e-sports.

When Healthy Habits Turn Harmful: A Medical Perspective on Exercise Addiction

Behavioural addictions, also known as non-substance-related addictions, encompass a range of compulsive behaviours that closely mirror substance use disorders in their effects on the brain's reward system and the individual's daily life. These addictions include, but are not limited to, gambling disorder, internet gaming disorder, compulsive shopping, and the focus of this review - exercise addiction. Exercise addiction is characterized by an intense, uncontrollable urge to engage in physical activity, despite potential negative consequences. Unlike substance use disorders, exercise addiction often remains underrecognized, overshadowed by the widespread promotion of regular physical activity as a healthy lifestyle choice. This review aims to offer a comprehensive overview of exercise addiction, covering its psychological origin and characteristics, diagnostic criteria, co-occurrence with other psychiatric disorders, epidemiology among athletes and management strategies.