Internet Gaming Disorder Severity Research Articles

Differential resting-state neurophysiological activity associated with game usage patterns and genres in Internet gaming disorder.

We investigated differences in quantitative electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns associated with game usage patterns and genre among patients with Internet gaming disorder (IGD). Data from 140 participants (76 IGD patients and 64 healthy controls) were analysed. The IGD group was divided into subgroups based on game usage patterns (single game [SG] or multiple games [MGs]) and genre (multiplayer online battle arena, first-person shooter [FPS], or massively multiplayer online role-playing game [MMORPG; hereafter, MMG]). A resting-state, eye-closed quantitative EEG was recorded, and the absolute power and coherence of brain waves were analysed. IGD patients who played SGs showed increased beta activity compared with those who played MGs and controls. Increased absolute beta power was significantly associated with higher tendencies towards behavioural inhibition compared with controls. FPS gamers showed increased delta power in the frontal region compared with controls, which was related to the severity of IGD. Furthermore, decreased intrahemispheric coherence in the left frontoparietal region was observed in the MMG and FPS groups compared with controls. This decreased coherence was observed in the theta (MMG and FPS), delta (MMG), and beta (FPS) bands. These features were related to impairment in visuospatial working memory. Unique neurophysiological features related to preoccupation with an SG may be associated with the inhibition of behavioural changes. The present study suggests that the underlying neurophysiological networks in IGD differ according to game usage patterns and genre.

Exploring subtypes and correlates of internet gaming disorder severity among adolescents during COVID-19 in China: A latent class analysis.

The WHO recently included Gaming Disorder as a psychiatric diagnosis. Whether there are distinct groups of adolescents who differ based on severity of gaming disorder and their relationships with other mental health and addictive behavior outcomes, including problematic smartphone use (PSU), remains unclear. The current study explored and identified subtypes of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) severity and estimated the association between these subtypes and other disorders. Participants completed online questionnaires assessing the severity of IGD, PSU, depression, and anxiety during COVID-19. We conducted a latent class analysis of IGD symptoms among 1,305 Chinese adolescents (mean age = 15.2; male = 58.5%) from 11 secondary schools in Macao (SAR), China. Multinomial logistic regression estimated correlates of latent class membership and PSU. A 4-class model adequately described the sample subgroups. Classes were labeled as normative gamers (30.9%), occasional gamers (42.4%), problematic gamers (22.7%), and addictive gamers (4.1%). Relative to normative gamers, PSU severity, depression, and being male were significantly higher among problematic gamers, addictive gamers, and occasional gamers. Only problematic gamers showed significant positive associations with anxiety severity compared to the other groups. The study revealed the differences in severity of gaming disorder and its association with psychopathology outcomes. Application in screening for IGD and comorbidity is discussed.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-022-03133-8.

Online Attentional Bias Modification Training for Adolescents With Internet Gaming Disorder

Objective: Previous research has shown that attentional bias toward game-related stimuli is a significant factor in the etiology, maintenance, and severity of internet gaming disorder (IGD). Therefore, interventions targeting attentional bias toward game-related stimuli can potentially ameliorate this disorder. The present research aims to examine the effectiveness of online Attentional Bias Modification (ABM) training in reducing game-related attentional bias and the severity of IGD in adolescents. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 33 adolescents with a DSM-5 diagnosis of IGD were sampled and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=17) and a control group (n=16). The experimental group received online ABM, while no intervention was delivered to the control group. Attentional bias and IGD severity in these two groups were measured at pretest and posttest phases and then at 2 months follow-up via a modified Stroop test and internet gaming disorder-20 (IGD-20) questionnaire. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance and Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (LSD) were implemented to analyze the data using SPSS software, version 26. Results: Game-related attentional bias and the severity of IGD were significantly decreased in the participants of the experimental group (P<0.05). The reductions were also maintained at the 2-month follow-up, whereas such reductions were not evident in the control group at any stage (P>0.05). Conclusion: Given our findings, it can be concluded that online ABM can be an auxiliary or standalone treatment for adolescents with IGD; further research is necessary to understand its mechanisms of effect.

Prevalence and Correlates of Internet Gaming Disorder: A Comparison Between English-Speaking and Chinese-Speaking Adult Gamers

Objectives: Studies have suggested that the prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is higher among Asian populations. This study compared the prevalence and severity of IGD between English-speaking gamers and Chinese-speaking gamers. Correlates of IGD were investigated in the global sample. Methods: A total of 101 English-speaking gamers and 130 Chinese-speaking gamers were recruited via a social marketing campaign and participated in an online questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of IGD was 0.0% and 0.8%, respectively, among English-speaking gamers and Chinese-speaking gamers. Chinese-speaking gamers were more likely to deceive family members, therapists, or others because of the amount of gaming activity, and were more likely to have jeopardized or lost an important relationship, job, or an educational or career opportunity because of gaming activity. English-speaking gamers were more likely to own a dedicated gaming device, started video gameplay at a younger age, spent more hours weekly on gameplay, and were more likely to play games to escape or relieve a negative mood. Among the global sample, correlates of a higher level of IGD were: being males, being current students, spending more hours weekly on gameplay, having experienced anxiety in the past year, having a higher level of violence, and having less real-life social support. Conclusions: These results suggested that the prevalence of IGD is low and comparable between English-speaking and Chinese-speaking gamers. The two populations differed in certain diagnosis criteria of IGD and behavioral factors relating to gameplay. Psychosocial factors of IGD were observed among the global sample adjusting for the cultural background.

Internet gaming disorder and its correlates among university students, Saudi Arabia.

Over-indulgence in online/offline video games could result in the development of internet gaming disorder (IGD). Knowledge of the prevalence and correlates of IGD may help to understand its etiology. The aim of the present study was to estimate IGD and its psychological/game-related correlates in Saudi university students. For this cross-sectional study, 843 students registered in a university in Saudi Arabia filled an online survey comprising diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), hospital anxiety and depression scale, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, social phobia inventory scale, satisfaction with life scale, and subjective happiness (SH) scale. For data analysis, an independent sample t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient/Chi-square test, and multiple linear regression followed by hierarchical regressions were used. The frequency of IGD was 21.5%. Total game time/day, years of playing games, and social phobia were significantly higher in subjects with IGD (P = 0.001, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively), whereas SH was significantly lower (P < 0.001). Tendency to IGD had a significant positive correlation with social phobia, total game time/day, and years of playing games and a negative correlation with SH. Total game time/day, years of playing games, and social phobia were significant positive predictors of tendency to IGD, whereas SH was a negative predictor. The rest of all variables were insignificant predictors. The frequency of IGD in Saudi university students identified by DSM-5 criteria was relatively high (21.5%). The prediction of the severity of IGD could be based on social phobia, total game time/day, number of years of playing games, and SH.

How sleep disturbances affect internet gaming disorder: The mediating effect of hippocampal functional connectivity

BackgroundStudies have revealed that sleep disturbances lead to an increased risk of Internet gaming disorder (IGD). However, the neural underpinnings of this feature remain unknown. Exploring this issue would be valuable in understanding the relationship between sleep and psychiatric disorders. MethodsGiven the impact of sleep on reward circuitry, we examined nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and hippocampal resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) differences between 41 IGD subjects and 59 healthy controls. Significant connections were determined and used to examine correlations with clinical variables. Finally, we explored the relationship between neuroimaging findings, IGD severity and sleep disturbances through a mediation model. ResultsWe observed the connection deviation between the hippocampus and a wide range of cerebral cortexes in IGD subjects, including the prefrontal, parietal and temporal lobes. More importantly, the right posterior hippocampus (pHIP)-left caudate rsFC was positively correlated with both the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Internet Addiction Test scores and mediated the relationship between the two. For the NAcc, a difference between groups was only observed in the rsFC between the shell partition of the NAcc and the inferior orbitofrontal cortex, but this connectivity was not related to the PSQI score. ConclusionsIGD subjects showed a wide range of abnormal connections in the hippocampus, involving memory, reward motivation, and cognitive control. Here we emphasized the potential of the hippocampus in studying sleep disturbances in IGD, especially the coupling between the pHIP and caudate nucleus, which could provide novel insight into how sleep interacts with motivational systems in IGD subjects.

How Are Attention-deficit Hyperactivity and Internet Gaming Disorders Related in Children and Youth?

This review addresses important practical questions facing clinicians regarding internet gaming disorder (IGD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and youth (C-Y). The authors investigated data concerning the risk that C-Y who have ADHD will develop IGD, whether effective treatment of ADHD positively influences the course of IGD in C-Y who have both, and other findings that might be of benefit to clinicians who treat C-Y with these conditions. We conducted a literature review using 4 databases: PubMed, Scopus, PsychInfo, and Embase. C-Y with ADHD are at greater risk for developing IGD than those without ADHD. A close association exists between the severity of ADHD symptoms and the severity of IGD. It is unknown what proportion of C-Y with ADHD will develop IGD during their developmental trajectory; however, C-Y with IGD are at risk for developing ADHD, and ADHD can also increase the vulnerability of C-Y to IGD. Adolescents with ADHD and IGD have greater deficits in social skills than those with ADHD but no IGD. Lower parental occupational and socioeconomic status and poor family relationships are associated with more severe IGD symptoms. Atomoxetine and methylphenidate are equally effective in alleviating IGD symptoms comorbid with ADHD. C-Y with ADHD are at increased risk for developing IGD compared with C-Y without ADHD, but it has not been determined at what developmental stage IGD is likely to emerge. Since IGD and ADHD are strongly associated, it is imperative to consider ADHD as a significant risk factor for IGD and vice versa, which can help psychiatrists be alert for early signs of IGD and manage them accordingly.

Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Internet Gaming Disorder Checklist (C-IGDC) Among Chinese Adolescents.

As the first DSM-5 based, multidimensional screening tool of Internet gaming disorder (IGD) designed for Chinese gamers, the Chinese Internet Gaming Disorder Checklist (C-IGDC) has shown satisfactory psychometric properties among Chinese young adults. Given the high vulnerability to IGD among adolescents, the present study aimed to examine the applicability of C-IGDC to Chinese adolescents to address shortfalls in the existing literature regarding the assessment of adolescent IGD screening. Through a two-stage sampling method in a cross-sectional survey, we obtained a sample of 1,253 Chinese past-year adolescent gamers (43.8% female; Mage = 14.49 years, SDage = 1.60 years) from local junior or senior high schools in Macao, China for data analysis. Our results confirmed a good model fit of the original two-level, nine-subfactor structure of the 27-item C-IGDC, and indicated adequate internal consistency and test–retest reliability, as well as good concurrent validity as evidenced by expected associations with IGD functioning impairments, gameplay characteristics, and depressive symptoms. An optimal screening cutoff score (≥20) was proposed to identify probable disordered gamers among Chinese adolescents with past-year gaming experience. The findings support the extended use of C-IGDC to Chinese adolescents as a reliable and valid assessment tool for evaluating IGD severity levels and screening for probable IGD cases. Its use can facilitate a proper screening procedure for probable IGD cases in both school and clinical settings.

Dorsal and ventral striatal functional connectivity shifts play a potential role in internet gaming disorder

Animal models suggest transitions from non-addictive to addictive behavioral engagement are associated with ventral-to-dorsal striatal shifts. However, few studies have examined such features in humans, especially in internet gaming disorder (IGD), a proposed behavioral addiction. We recruited 418 subjects (174 with IGD; 244 with recreational game use (RGU)). Resting-state fMRI data were collected and functional connectivity analyses were performed based on ventral and dorsal striatal seeds. Correlations and follow-up spectrum dynamic causal model (spDCM) analyses were performed to examine relationships between the ventral/dorsal striatum and middle frontal gyrus (MFG). Longitudinal data were also analysed to investigate changes over time. IGD relative to RGU subjects showed lower ventral-striatum-to-MFG (mostly involving supplementary motor area (SMA)) and higher dorsal-striatum-to-MFG functional connectivity. spDCM revealed that left dorsal-striatum-to-MFG connectivity was correlated with IGD severity. Longitudinal data within IGD and RGU groups found greater dorsal striatal connectivity with the MFG in IGD versus RGU subjects. These findings suggest similar ventral-to-dorsal striatal shifts may operate in IGD and traditional addictions.

Autistic Traits and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms Predict the Severity of Internet Gaming Disorder in an Italian Adult Population.

Over the last decade, internet gaming has been a fast-growing recreational activity. Gamers risk their leisure activity becoming an addiction. In the present study, we aimed to measure the prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in an adult population of video game players and to investigate the association between demographic variables, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) traits, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) severity, and IGD in adults. Through an online survey, we recruited 4260 individuals aged between 18 and 55 years old, who were members of online communities of video gamers. We collected demographic data and administered three questionnaires: the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGD9-SF), the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). Of the overall sample, 29.67% scored above the cut-off of 21 points for the IGD9-SF. Multiple linear regression models showed that daily spare time, autistic traits, and ADHD symptoms were positively associated with the severity of IGD in adults, after controlling for demographic variables. Future studies are required in order to explore factors linked to IGD in adults.

Association of General Cognitive Functions with Gaming Use in Young Adults: A Comparison among Excessive Gamers, Regular Gamers and Non-Gamers.

This study aimed to examine the relationship of general cognitive function with gaming use, and to identify elements of intelligence predicting increased gaming use. In total, 160 young adults participated in this study. Two clinical groups (n = 97) were defined: excessive gaming users diagnosed with internet gaming disorder (IGD) (n = 64) and the high-risk users (n = 33). The control group (n = 63) was also divided into regular gamers (n = 14) and non-gamers (n = 49). Participants completed the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV and self-reported questionnaires regarding IGD severity and gaming hours. The IGD group had significantly lower Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ), Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), and Processing Speed Index (PSI) scores, compared with regular gamers and non-gamers. The IGD group also exhibited lower Working Memory Index (WMI) scores, compared with non-gamers. The high-risk group demonstrated significantly lower PSI score, compared with non-gamers. Furthermore FSIQ, VCI, WMI, and PSI scores were significant predictors of gaming hours in the IGD group. For the high-risk group, FSIQ, WMI, and VCI scores were negatively associated with gaming hours. Our study demonstrates the need to address the importance of enhancing working memory and verbal ability, thus, preventing the development of gaming addiction among individuals at high-risk gamers.

The frustration intolerance of internet gaming disorder and its association with severity and depression.

This study aimed to evaluate the belief of frustration intolerance of individuals with internet gaming disorder (IGD) and its association with depression among them. We recruited 69 participants with IGD and 138 controls (69 regular gamers and other non-gamers). IGD is diagnosed based on DSM-5 (DSM stands for diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders) criteria through psychiatric interviews. They had completed the questionnaire for the belief of frustration intolerance, depression, and severity of IGD. The participant with IGD had a higher score on the frustration discomfort scale and its subscales, discomfort intolerance, entitlement, emotional intolerance, and achievement. Further regression analysis demonstrated an independent association between entitlement and IGD in control of depression. The frustration intolerance is also associated with depression and the severity of IGD among the IGD group. The discomfort intolerance and achievement were the most associated factors of depression. Frustration intolerance is a crucial irrational belief of IGD. It contributes to the severity of IGD and depression among individuals with IGD. The frustration intolerance, particularly for discomfort intolerance, entitlement, and achievement, should be assessed and intervened while treating individuals with IGD.

Reward-related decision-making deficits in internet gaming disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To estimate the aggregated effect sizes of reward-related decision-making deficits in internet gaming disorder (IGD) and to explore potential moderators on the variability of effect sizes across studies. Review of peer-reviewed studies comparing reward-related decision-making performance between IGD and control participants identified via PubMed, Web of Science and ProQuest databases. Random-effects modeling was conducted using Hedge's g as the effect size (ES). The effects of decision-making situation, valence, sample type, testing environment, IGD severity and self-reported impulsivity on decision-making differences were examined by moderator analyses. No restrictions on location. Twenty-four studies (20 independent samples) were included in the meta-analysis, resulting in 604 IGD and 641 control participants and 35 ESs. Reward-related decision-making differences between IGD and control groups. The overall ES for decision-making deficits in IGD was small (g=-0.45, P<0.01). The effects were comparable across risky, ambiguous and inter-temporal decision-making. Larger aggregate ESs were identified for pure-gain and mixed compared with pure-loss decision-making. Studies based on clinical and community samples showed similar effects. No significant difference between behavioral studies and those with extra measurements was observed. Decision-making alterations were not closely associated with IGD severity or self-reported impulsivity differences at the study level. Internet gaming disorder appears to be consistently associated with reward-related decision-making deficits.

Internet gaming disorder impacts gray matter structural covariance organization in the default mode network

IntroductionAlthough previous studies have revealed that dysfunctional brain organization is associated with internet gamingdisorder (IGD), the neuroanatomical basis that underlies IGD remains elusive. In this work, we aimed to investigate gray matter (GM) volume alterations and structural covariance patterns in relation to IGD severity. MethodsStructural magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired from two hundred and thirty young adults encompassing a wide range of IGD severity. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was applied to examine GM volume changes associated with IGD severity. Furthermore, the organization of whole-brain structural covariance network (SCN) was analyzed using the regions identified as seeds from VBM analysis. ResultsIndividuals with greater IGD severity had increased GM volumes in the midline components of the default mode network (DMN), namely, the right medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and precuneus. More importantly, the SCN results revealed impaired patterns of structural covariance between the DMN-related regions and areas associated with visuospatial attention and reward craving processing as the addiction severity of IGD worsened. LimitationsOnly young Chinese adults were enrolled in our study andthe extent to which findings generalize to samples in other age groups and diverse cultures is unclear. ConclusionsThese results showed volume expansion of the DMN components and its weakened structural association with visuospatial attention and motivational craving regions with increasing IGD severity. This study deepens our understanding of the underlying neuroanatomical correlates of IGD, which may help to explain why some individuals are more vulnerable to compulsive gaming usage than others.

Depression and anxiety symptoms associated with internet gaming disorder before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study.

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has profoundly impacted aspects of human life globally. Playing videogames has been encouraged by several organizations to help individuals cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictive measures. This longitudinal study was the first to examine gaming in the context of the pandemic and its association with depressive and anxiety symptoms.MethodsThe sample comprised 1,778 children and adolescents (50.7% male) who were part of the Project of School Mental Health in Southwest China. Data were collected at two-time intervals: before the COVID-19 pandemic (October to November 2019 – [T1]) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (April to May 2020 – [T2]). Data were collected on perceived COVID-19 impacts, videogame use, Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Cross-lagged panel models were computed to examine longitudinal relationships.ResultsThe results indicated that both videogame use and IGD increased significantly for adolescents at T2. The cross-lagged panel model results suggested that depressive and anxiety symptoms at T1 positively predicted IGD and videogame use at T2 (especially for boys), but not inversely. Perceived COVID-19 impacts mediated the relationship between depressive and anxiety symptoms at T1 and IGD at T2.ConclusionChildren and adolescents both increased videogame use at T2, but only adolescents significantly increased IGD severity at T2. The findings supported the compensatory hypothesis, and are consistent with the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution model as individual responses to COVID-19 may function as a mediator between personal predisposing variables and IGD.

Impact of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder comorbidity on longitudinal course in Internet gaming disorder: a 3‐year clinical cohort study

Although attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms were identified as a key risk factor for Internet gaming disorder (IGD), the effect of ADHD comorbidity on longitudinal course of IGD in the clinical population remains to be further examined. This study aimed to investigate whether ADHD comorbidity in IGD patients affects the recovery, recurrence rates, and trajectories of IGD symptoms, and examine the relationship between the changes in IGD and ADHD symptoms. The study included 128 IGD patients without any psychiatric comorbidities (pure-IGD group) and 127 IGD patients with comorbid ADHD (ADHD-IGD group) aged 11 to 42years. IGD and ADHD were diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria at enrollment. Participants were offered 8-week treatment with additional care provided as needed and followed up over a 3-year period. IGD diagnosis was reassessed annually and used as a dichotomous outcome. The severity of IGD and ADHD symptoms was measured using the Young Internet Addiction Scale and the Korean ADHD rating scale, respectively, at baseline and each annual follow-up. The recovery rates of IGD by Year 3 were 60% and 93% in ADHD-IGD and in pure-IGD groups, respectively. The ADHD-IGD group showed lower rates of recovery, higher odds of recurrence within 1year, and higher severity of IGD symptoms over time than the pure-IGD group. Family environment was also associated with the trajectories of IGD symptoms. The changes in ADHD symptoms were significantly associated with the changes in IGD symptoms. This study found that ADHD comorbidity in IGD patients was associated with poor clinical course of IGD and that the changes in ADHD symptoms were associated with the changes in IGD symptoms over time. Our findings suggest that evaluation and treatment of ADHD symptoms and family environment in IGD patients may be important in improving the prognosis of IGD.

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.

Altered modular segregation of brain networks during the cue-craving task contributes to the disrupted executive functions in internet gaming disorder

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that gaming-related cues could induce gaming cravings and bring about changes in brain activities in subjects with Internet gaming disorder (IGD). However, little is known about the brain network organizations in IGD subjects during a cue-craving task and the relationship between this network organization and IGD severity. MethodsSixty-one IGD subjects and 61 matched recreational game users (RGUs) were scanned while performing a cue-craving task. We calculated and compared the participation coefficient (PC) among brain network modules between IGD subjects and RGUs. Based on the results, further group comparison analyses were performed to explain the PC changes and to explore the relationship between PCs and IGD severity. ResultsWhile performing a cue-craving task, compared with RGUs, IGD subjects showed significantly decreased PCs in the default-mode network (DMN) and the frontal-parietal network (FPN). Specifically, the number of connections between nodes in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, posterior cingulate cortex and other nodes in the DMN of IGD subjects was much larger than that in RGUs. Correlation results showed that the number of DMN intra-modular connections was positively correlated with addiction severity and craving degree. ConclusionsThese results provide neural evidence that can explain why cognitive control, emotion, attention and other functions are impaired in IGD subjects in the face of gaming cues, which leads to compulsive behavior toward games. These findings extend our understanding of the neural mechanism of IGD and have important implications for developing effective interventions to treat IGD subjects.

PET Hypometabolism of the Prefrontal-Cingulate Cortices in Internet Gaming Disorder.

Recently, excessive and uncontrolled use of online games has been recognized as a public concern. Although previous neuroimaging studies have reported structural and functional brain deficits in Internet gaming disorder (IGD), very few studies have investigated the regional cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (rCMRglu). This study investigated the differences in rCMRglu between individuals with IGD and healthy controls using 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET). A total of 23 adults with IGD and 23 controls underwent brain 18F-FDG PET scans and completed self-report questionnaires. A whole-brain voxel-wise analysis of rCMRglu was conducted and associations between rCMRglu and severity of IGD were assessed. The IGD group showed higher impulsivity (p = 0.04) and lower self-control (p = 0.002) than the control group. In addition, the IGD group had lower FDG uptake in the left medial orbitofrontal gyrus, left middle cingulate cortex, left superior frontal gyrus, and right anterior cingulate cortex (p < 0.001). A significant negative association was found between the rCMRglu in the right anterior cingulate cortex and the number of fulfilled diagnostic criteria for IGD (β = −0.50, p = 0.02). Our results suggest that IGD may be associated with deficits of glucose metabolism in the prefrontal-cingulate cortices.

Internet gaming disorder, psychological distress, and insomnia in adolescent students and their siblings: An actor-partner interdependence model approach

BackgroundAssociations between internet gaming disorder (IGD), psychological distress, and sleep have been reported. However, little is known whether such associations exist across siblings; that is, whether adolescents’ IGD symptomatology may impact their siblings’ psychological distress and sleep. This study aimed to examine whether siblings' IGD symptoms may relate to depressive, anxiety symptoms or sleep quality among each other. MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design with two-stage cluster sampling, 320 dyads of adolescent students and their siblings participated in the study. Each dyad completed the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS-SF9), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). The actor–partner interdependence model (APIM) was applied to examine relationships between IGD, psychological well-being, and insomnia severity in the dyadic data. ResultsActor effects of IGDS-SF9 scores on depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia severity were significant in both adolescents (e.g., adolescents’ IGDS-SF9 scores on their depression scores) and their siblings (e.g., IGDS-SF9 scores of adolescents’ siblings’ scores on their depression scores). Partner effects of IGDS-SF9 scores on depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia severity were significant in both adolescents (e.g., adolescents’ IGDS-SF9 scores on their siblings’ depression scores) and their siblings (e.g., IGDS-SF9 scores of adolescents’ siblings on adolescents’ depression scores). ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated that adolescent students and their siblings had mutual impacts of IGD on psychological health and sleep. Thus, healthcare providers may consider involving siblings when they design programs reducing IGD-related problems or improving psychological health and sleep for adolescents.