An Update Overview on Brain Imaging Studies of Internet Gaming Disorder.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review of neuroimaging literature without systematic search or meta-analysis.
PubMed 29033857 · doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00185
What was done
This narrative review synthesized recent structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) literature evaluating brain mechanisms in adolescents and adults with Internet gaming disorder (IGD).
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical values or effect sizes. Structurally, individuals with IGD demonstrated reduced gray matter volume in brain regions mediating attention, motor coordination, executive function, and perception, alongside decreased white matter integrity in areas involved in decision-making, behavioral inhibition, and emotional regulation. Functionally, IGD was associated with altered functional connectivity across sensory, motor, learning, and memory networks, including decreased prefrontal-striatal connectivity related to heightened risk-taking and impulsivity. Increased functional connectivity in certain executive control regions was noted and linked to comorbid ADHD and depression.
Why it matters
This overview consolidates neuroimaging evidence showing reward, craving, and executive control alterations in IGD, supporting its classification under a behavioral addiction framework.
Limits
The abstract describes a narrative review without detailing search criteria, sample sizes, or systematic risk of bias evaluation. Findings are descriptive without quantitative effect sizes, and causal inference is limited by cross-sectional imaging designs and high rates of confounding comorbidities such as ADHD and depression.
Cited by
- contradicts Digital addictions operate via dopamine and engage largely the same brain regions as substance addictions such as heroin or crack cocaine, producing compulsive use and withdrawal symptoms.