Internet Gaming Disorder Features Research Articles

Comparative analysis of cortical anatomy inmale participants with internet gaming disorder or tobacco use disorder: Insights fromnormative modeling.

Research on individual differences in brain structural features of internet gaming disorder (IGD) and established addictions such as tobacco use disorder (TUD) is currently limited. This study utilized normative modeling to analyze the cortical thickness (CT) development patterns of male patients with IGD and TUD, aiming to provide further insights into whether IGD qualifies as an addiction. Surface-based brain morphometry (SBM) was used to calculate CT from T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging data of 804 male participants (665 healthy individuals, 68 IGD and 71 TUD). Gaussian process regression was employed to generate normative models of CT development. Deviation maps were produced to depict deviations of IGD and TUD participants from the typical developmental patterns. Both addiction groups exhibited widespread cortical thinning, particularly in regions such as the bilateral temporal pole and medial orbitofrontal cortex. The TUD group demonstrated a higher degree of individualization and limited spatial overlap compared to the IGD group. Opposite trends in CT changes were observed between the two groups in the bilateral pericalcarine cortex and pars triangularis. These findings regarding the similarities and differences between IGD and TUD provide support for the idea that IGD shares common features with substance-related addictions and contribute to a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms underlyingIGD.

Multimodal-based machine learning approach to classify features of internet gaming disorder and alcohol use disorder: A sensor-level and source-level resting-state electroencephalography activity and neuropsychological study

ObjectivesAddictions have recently been classified as substance use disorder (SUD) and behavioral addiction (BA), but the concept of BA is still debatable. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct further neuroscientific research to understand the mechanisms of BA to the same extent as SUD. The present study used machine learning (ML) algorithms to investigate the neuropsychological and neurophysiological aspects of addictions in individuals with internet gaming disorder (IGD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). MethodsWe developed three models for distinguishing individuals with IGD from those with AUD, individuals with IGD from healthy controls (HCs), and individuals with AUD from HCs using ML algorithms, including L1-norm support vector machine, random forest, and L1-norm logistic regression (LR). Three distinct feature sets were used for model training: a unimodal-electroencephalography (EEG) feature set combined with sensor- and source-level feature; a unimodal-neuropsychological feature (NF) set included sex, age, depression, anxiety, impulsivity, and general cognitive function, and a multimodal (EEG + NF) feature set. ResultsThe LR model with the multimodal feature set used for the classification of IGD and AUD outperformed the other models (accuracy: 0.712). The important features selected by the model highlighted that the IGD group had differential delta and beta source connectivity between right intrahemispheric regions and distinct sensor-level EEG activities. Among the NFs, sex and age were the important features for good model performance. ConclusionsUsing ML techniques, we demonstrated the neurophysiological and neuropsychological similarities and differences between IGD (a BA) and AUD (a SUD).

Brain responses to positive and negative events in individuals with internet gaming disorder during real gaming.

This study sought to investigate brain responses to positive and negative events in individuals with internet gaming disorder (IGD) during real gaming as a direct assessment of the neural features of IGD. This investigation reflects the neural deficits in individuals with IGD while playing games, providing direct and effective targets for prevention and treatment of IGD. Thirty subjects with IGD and fifty-two matched recreational game use (RGU) subjects were scanned while playing an online game. Abnormal brain activities during positive and negative events were detected using a general linear model. Functional connectivity (FC) and correlation analyses between neural features and addiction severity were conducted to provide additional support for the underlying neural features. Compared to the RGU subjects, the IGD subjects exhibited decreased activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) during positive events and decreased activation in the middle frontal gyrus (MFG), precentral gyrus and postcentral gyrus during negative events. Decreased FC between the DLPFC and putamen during positive events and between the MFG and amygdala during negative events were observed among the IGD subjects. Neural features and addiction severity were significantly correlated. Individuals with IGD exhibited deficits in regulating game craving, maladaptive habitual gaming behaviors and negative emotions when experiencing positive and negative events during real game-playing compared to RGU gamers. These abnormalities in neural substrates during real gaming provide direct evidence for explaining why individuals with IGD uncontrollably and continuously engage in game playing, despite negative consequences.

Prefrontal cortical activation in Internet Gaming Disorder Scale high scorers during actual real-time internet gaming: A preliminary study using fNIRS.

BackgroundObservation of real-time neural characteristics during gameplay would provide distinct evidence for discriminating the currently controversial diagnosis of internet gaming disorder (IGD), and elucidate neural mechanisms that may be involved in addiction. We aimed to provide preliminary findings on possible neural features of IGD during real-time internet gaming using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).MethodsPrefrontal cortical activations accompanying positive and negative in-game events were investigated. Positive events: (1) participant’s champion slays or assists in slaying an opponent without being slain. (2) the opposing team’s nexus is destroyed. Negative events: (1) participant’s champion is slain without slaying or assisting in slaying any opponent. (2) the team’s nexus is destroyed. Collected data were compared between the IGD group and control group, each with 15 participants.ResultsThe IGD group scored significantly higher than the CTRL group on the craving scale. Following positive events, the IGD group displayed significantly stronger activation in the DLPFC. Following negative events, the IGD group displayed significantly weaker activation in the lateral OFC.Discussion and ConclusionsIndividuals scoring high on the IGD scale may crave for more internet gaming after encountering desired events during the game. Such observations are supported by the correlation between the craving scale and DLPFC activation. The IGD group may also show diminished punishment sensitivity to negative in-game experiences rendering them to continue playing the game. The present study provides preliminary evidence that IGD may demonstrate neural characteristics observed in other addictive disorders and suggests the use of fNIRS in behavioral addiction studies.

Classification of Gamers Using Multiple Physiological Signals: Distinguishing Features of Internet Gaming Disorder.

The proliferating and excessive use of internet games has caused various comorbid diseases, such as game addiction, which is now a major social problem. Recently, the American Psychiatry Association classified “Internet gaming disorder (IGD)” as an addiction/mental disorder. Although many studies have been conducted on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of IGD, screening studies for IGD are still scarce. In this study, we classified gamers using multiple physiological signals to contribute to the treatment and prevention of IGD. Participating gamers were divided into three groups based on Young’s Internet Addiction Test score and average game time as follows: Group A, those who rarely play games; Group B, those who enjoy and play games regularly; and Group C, those classified as having IGD. In our game-related cue-based experiment, we obtained self-reported craving scores and multiple physiological data such as electrooculogram (EOG), photoplethysmogram (PPG), and electroencephalogram (EEG) from the users while they watched neutral (natural scenery) or stimulating (gameplay) videos. By analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), 13 physiological features (vertical saccadic movement from EOG, standard deviation of N-N intervals, and PNN50 from PPG, and many EEG spectral power indicators) were determined to be significant to classify the three groups. The classification was performed using a 2-layers feedforward neural network. The fusion of three physiological signals showed the best result compared to other cases (combination of EOG and PPG or EEG only). The accuracy was 0.90 and F-1 scores were 0.93 (Group A), 0.89 (Group B), and 0.88 (Group C). However, the subjective self-reported scores did not show a significant difference among the three groups by ANCOVA analysis. The results indicate that the fusion of physiological signals can be an effective method to objectively classify gamers.

Factors associated with severity, incidence or persistence of internet gaming disorder in children and adolescents: a 2-year longitudinal study.

This study examined factors associated with severity, incidence and/or persistence of internet gaming disorder (IGD) in children and adolescents. Prospective cohort study with 2-year follow-up study in South Korea. A total of 2319 3rd-, 4th- and 7th-graders enrolled into the internet user cohort for unbiased recognition of gaming disorder in early adolescence [intramural Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (iCURE)] and analyzed for the current study. Severity of the IGD features was assessed by the Internet Game Use-Elicited Symptom Screen (IGUESS), a self-reported questionnaire based on the DSM-5 IGD criteria. Participants with IGUESS scores ≥10 were considered to be at high risk for IGD (HIGD). Time spent playing on-line games, game types, depressive symptoms, trait anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, social support, openness of communication with parents, attachment to parents and potential confounders were assessed by self-report. A total of 175 (7.5%) students were classified as HIGD cases upon initial assessment. The independent risk factors of incidence of HIGD included playing on-line games for ≥240minutes/day, playing multi-player games, depressive symptoms and ADHD symptoms [adjusted rate ratios (aRRs)=2.03, 1.63, 2.04, 2.53, respectively; all P<0.05]. Factors related to changing IGD severity scores were playing on-line games for 60-239minutes/day, playing single-player on-line games, higher attachment and social support [adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRRs)=1.38, 1.22, 0.86, 0.87, respectively; all P<0.05]. Independent predictors of persistence of HIGD were playing on-line games for ≥240minutes/day and ADHD symptoms (aRRs=2.63, 2.14, respectively; all P<0.05). Among adolescents in South Korea, the existence of ADHD symptoms and spending more than 4hours per day playing on-line games were associated with the occurrence or persistence of high risk for internet gaming disorder.

Low self-control and aggression exert serial mediation between inattention/hyperactivity problems and severity of internet gaming disorder features longitudinally among adolescents.

ObjectivesWe examined serial mediating roles of low self-control and aggression in explaining relationships between levels of inattention and hyperactivity problems (IHPs) and severity of Internet gaming disorder (IGD) features when exposed to online games among adolescents without Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) stratified by gender using three-wave longitudinal study.MethodThe sample comprised a total of 1,732 family dyads from a study that was conducted among seventh graders without diagnoses of ADHD at baseline. Levels of IHPs were assessed by the parent reported Korean version of the ADHD rating scale at baseline (wave1). Severity of IGD features was assessed by the Internet Game Use-Elicited Symptom Screen (IGUESS) at wave3. Both levels of self-control (wave1) and aggression (wave2) were assessed by self-report. The mediating role of low self-control and aggression in the relationships between level of IHPs and severity of IGD were evaluated using serial mediation analysis separately for each gender.ResultsLevels of IHPs were related directly to severity of IGD features in both genders. The indirect effects via low self-control were also significant in both genders, however, the indirect effects via aggression was significant only in women. The serial mediation effect via low self-control and aggression between levels of IHPs and IGD features was significant in both genders (men, coefficient:0.009, 95%CI 0.005–0.019; women, coefficient:0.010, 95%CI:0.005–0.026).ConclusionWe revealed a possible mechanism underlying a serial mediation chain from low self-control to aggression explaining the effects of IHPs on severity of IGD features. However, this conclusion should be taken with a caution, because the effect sizes were very low.

A partial mediation effect of father-child attachment and self-esteem between parental marital conflict and subsequent features of internet gaming disorder in children: a 12-month follow-up study

BackgroundThis study evaluated whether parent-child attachment and self-esteem may mediate the relationship between parental marital conflict and increases in features of internet gaming disorder (IGD) in children at 1 year.MethodsThe baseline and one-year follow-up data for 268 pre-teens aged between 9 and 10 from the Internet User Cohort for Unbiased Recognition of Gaming Disorder in Early Adolescence (iCURE) study were collected. The students were children at low risk for IGD in the initial self-reported assessment, anyone living with both parents, current game user at baseline, and those who completed a 12-month follow-up assessment. The Internet Game Use-Elicited Symptom Screen (IGUESS) was used to identify increases in IGD features at 12 months. To examine a potential mediation effect, structural equation modeling was performed.ResultsThe direct effect was statistically significant, and parental marital conflict at baseline significantly predicted the increases in IGD features in children at the 12-month follow-up after adjusting for gender, sex, socioeconomic status, and baseline IGUESS score (ß = 0.206, P = 0.003). The indirect effect showed that attachment to fathers through self-esteem was a significant mediating effect (ß = 0.078, P = 0.045). Parental marital conflicts were associated with increases in IGD features in children through poor father-child attachment, and in turn, the lower levels of self-esteem in the children.ConclusionsParents, especially fathers, should make an effort to bond with their children to reduce the risk of their children’s developing the IGD features.

Reciprocal relationship between depression and Internet gaming disorder in children: A 12-month follow-up of the iCURE study using cross-lagged path analysis.

ObjectivesPrevious studies have reported an association between Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and depression, but the directionality of the relationship remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the reciprocal relationship between level of depressive symptoms and IGD among children in a longitudinal study.MethodsResearch panels for this study consisted of 366 elementary-school students in the iCURE study. All participants were current Internet users, so they could be considered an at-risk population for IGD. Self-reported severity of IGD features and level of depression were assessed by the Internet Game Use-Elicited Symptom Screen and Children’s Depression Inventory, respectively. Follow-up assessment was completed after 12 months. We fitted cross-lagged structural equation models to investigate the association between the two variables at two time points contemporaneously.ResultsThe cross-lagged analysis revealed that level of depression at baseline significantly predicted severity of IGD features at the 12-month follow-up (β = 0.15, p = .003). Severity of IGD features at baseline also significantly predicted level of depression at the 12-month follow-up (β = 0.11, p = .018), controlling for possible confounding factors.ConclusionsThe cross-lagged path analysis indicates a reciprocal relationship between severity of IGD features and level of depressive symptoms. Understanding the reciprocal relationship between depressive symptoms and severity of IGD features can assist in interventions to prevent both conditions. These findings provide theoretical support for prevention and remediation plans for IGD and depressive symptoms among children.

Neurophysiological Mechanisms of Resilience as a Protective Factor in Patients with Internet Gaming Disorder: A Resting-State EEG Coherence Study.

Background: Resilience, an important protective factor against Internet gaming disorder (IGD), is the ability to recover from negative emotional experiences and constitutes a flexible adaptation to stress. Despite the importance of resilience in predicting IGD, little is known about the relationships between resilience and the neurophysiological features of IGD patients. Methods: We investigated these relationships using resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) coherence, by comparing IGD patients (n = 35) to healthy controls (n = 36). To identify the resilience-related EEG features, the IGD patients were divided into two groups based on the 50th percentile score on the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale: IGD with low resilience (n = 16) and IGD with high resilience (n = 19). We analyzed differences in EEG coherence among groups for each fast frequency band. The conditional indirect effects of resilience were examined on the relationships between IGD and resilience-related EEG features through clinical symptoms. Results: IGD patients with low resilience had higher alpha coherence in the right hemisphere. Particularly, resilience moderated the indirect effects of IGD on alpha coherence in the right hemisphere through depressive symptoms and stress level. Conclusion: These neurophysiological findings regarding the mechanisms underlying resilience may help to establish effective preventive measures against IGD.

Altered hippocampal volume and functional connectivity in males with Internet gaming disorder comparing to those with alcohol use disorder

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has been conceptualized as a behavioral addiction and shares clinical, neuropsychological, and personality characteristics with alcohol use disorder (AUD), but IGD dose not entail brain exposure to toxic agents, which renders it different from AUD. To achieve a clear understanding of the neurobiological features of IGD, we aimed to identify morphological and functional changes in IGD and compare them with those in AUD. Individuals with IGD showed larger volume in the hippocampus/amygdala and precuneus than healthy controls (HCs). The volume in the hippocampus positively correlated with the symptom severity of IGD. Moreover, functional connectivity analysis with the hippocampus/amygdala cluster revealed that the left ventromedial prefrontal cortex showed stronger functional connectivity in individuals with IGD compared to those with AUD. In contrast, individuals with AUD exhibited the smaller cerebellar volume and thinner medial frontal cortex than HCs. The volume in the cerebellum correlated with impaired working memory function as well as duration of illness in AUD group. Findings suggested that altered volume and functional connectivity in the hippocampus/amygdala in IGD might be associated with abnormally enhanced memory process of gaming-related cues, while abnormal cortical changes and cognitive impairments in AUD might be associated with neurotoxic effects of alcohol.

Dysfunctional information processing during an auditory event-related potential task in individuals with Internet gaming disorder.

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) leading to serious impairments in cognitive, psychological and social functions has gradually been increasing. However, very few studies conducted to date have addressed issues related to the event-related potential (ERP) patterns in IGD. Identifying the neurobiological characteristics of IGD is important to elucidate the pathophysiology of this condition. P300 is a useful ERP component for investigating electrophysiological features of the brain. The aims of the present study were to investigate differences between patients with IGD and healthy controls (HCs), with regard to the P300 component of the ERP during an auditory oddball task, and to examine the relationship of this component to the severity of IGD symptoms in identifying the relevant neurophysiological features of IGD. Twenty-six patients diagnosed with IGD and 23 age-, sex-, education- and intelligence quotient-matched HCs participated in this study. During an auditory oddball task, participants had to respond to the rare, deviant tones presented in a sequence of frequent, standard tones. The IGD group exhibited a significant reduction in response to deviant tones compared with the HC group in the P300 amplitudes at the midline centro-parietal electrode regions. We also found a negative correlation between the severity of IGD and P300 amplitudes. The reduced amplitude of the P300 component in an auditory oddball task may reflect dysfunction in auditory information processing and cognitive capabilities in IGD. These findings suggest that reduced P300 amplitudes may be candidate neurobiological marker for IGD.

Neurophysiological features of Internet gaming disorder and alcohol use disorder: a resting-state EEG study.

Despite that Internet gaming disorder (IGD) shares clinical, neuropsychological and personality characteristics with alcohol use disorder (AUD), little is known about the resting-state quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) patterns associated with IGD and AUD. Therefore, this study compared the QEEG patterns in patients with IGD with those in patients with AUD to identify unique neurophysiological characteristics that can be used as biomarkers of IGD. A total of 76 subjects (34 with IGD, 17 with AUD and 25 healthy controls) participated in this study. Resting-state, eyes-closed QEEGs were recorded, and the absolute and relative power of brains were analyzed. The generalized estimating equation showed that the IGD group had lower absolute beta power than AUD (estimate=5.319, P<0.01) and the healthy control group (estimate=2.612, P=0.01). The AUD group showed higher absolute delta power than IGD (estimate=7.516, P<0.01) and the healthy control group (estimate=7.179, P<0.01). We found no significant correlations between the severity of IGD and QEEG activities in patients with IGD. The current findings suggest that lower absolute beta power can be used as a potential trait marker of IGD. Higher absolute power in the delta band may be a susceptibility marker for AUD. This study clarifies the unique characteristics of IGD as a behavioral addiction, which is distinct from AUD, by providing neurophysiological evidence.

Investigating Risk Factors for Internet Gaming Disorder: A Comparison of Patients with Addictive Gaming, Pathological Gamblers and Healthy Controls regarding the Big Five Personality Traits

Engaging in online games has become increasingly important as a part of leisure activity in adolescents and adults. While the majority of people use these games in a healthy way, epidemiological studies show that some develop excessive use and symptoms that are related to those of substance-related addictions. Despite increasing research concerning the epidemiology of internet gaming disorder (IGD), predisposing factors have been examined to a lesser extent. Knowing about specific risk factors would help clarify the nosological features of IGD and enhance prevention and intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between personality traits and IGD. A total of 115 patients meeting the criteria for IGD were compared to 167 control subjects displaying either regular or intense use of online games. Additionally, 115 patients meeting diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling were included. IGD was associated with higher neuroticism, decreased conscientiousness and low extraversion. The comparisons to pathological gamblers indicate that low conscientiousness and low extraversion in particular are characteristic of IGD. An integration of personality variables into an etiopathological model describing presumable mechanisms fostering and maintaining addictive online gaming is proposed. This model could be helpful for the theoretical understanding of addictive gaming, public health campaigns and psychoeducation within therapeutic settings.