Power-Up: Dissecting Neurobiological Mechanisms Underlying Internet Gaming Disorder

Background The DSM V-TR places video game addiction, also known as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) within the section that suggests the need for additional research. Simultaneously, there has been a remarkable surge in the consumption of video games, with this medium attracting more funding than ever before. Additionally, as this disorder gains increased attention from the psychiatric world, there is a lack of any formal guidelines on the treatment of IGD, or for the superiority of any specific pharmaceutical treatment. The aim of this project focuses on reviewing the neurobiological mechanisms involved in IGD in order to garner a more robust understanding of the neural pathways involved. Methods Google Scholar and PubMed were explored using search terms including “Internet gaming disorder,” “neurology,” “imaging,” “mechanisms,” and “comorbid” in various permutations. Thirty-seven articles were included from 100 search results that addressed IGD neural and biological mechanisms, and their potential comorbidity with other mental disorders. Results The literature suggests that some of the neural findings in IGD are similar to those found in other addiction disorders, which include the following mechanisms: (i) Activation of brain regions associated with reward, as observed in cue exposure and craving studies. Neurotransmitter system studies further suggest the involvement of dopamine-mediated reward mechanisms. (ii) Decreased activity in areas responsible for impulse control and impaired decision-making. (iii) Reduced functional connectivity in brain networks related to cognitive control, executive function, motivation, and reward. Another study suggested that the severity of IGD and depression symptoms predict each other reciprocally. Neurologically, individuals with IGD exhibited enhanced rsFC between the left amygdala and the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, inferior frontal gyrus, and precentral gyrus compared to control participants. The baseline amygdala-frontoparietal connectivity negatively predicted the reduction in depression symptoms following a psychotherapy intervention. Other studies suggest that altered executive control mechanisms in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) would be a predisposition for developing IGD. Furthermore, according to the literature, it was indicated that engaging in Internet game playing was linked to reduced white matter density in brain areas responsible for decision-making, inhibiting behavior, and regulating emotions. Conclusions The literature findings regarding IGD’s neural and biological pathways, as well as the association of these findings with other disorders such as depressive disorders and ADHD reflect behavioral patterns in individuals with IGD. These mechanisms can be utilized to maximize behavioral and pharmaceutical interventions. Funding No Funding