Cognitive Impairments Associated with Behavioral Addictions: A Systematic Review.

The aim of this project is to carry out a systematic review focused on cognitive impairments, particularly executive functions, associated with behavioral addictions in adolescent populations. It will examine how disorders such as pathological gambling and problematic online gaming affect processes like inhibitory control, decision-making, planning, and cognitive flexibility. The review will draw on empirical studies published over the last decade in peer-reviewed scientific journals, which use objective measures—such as neuropsychological tests or experimental tasks—to assess cognitive functioning. Included studies will involve clinical or at-risk populations, with formal diagnoses or significant levels of problematic use, and should include comparison groups made up of healthy individuals or those with recreational consumption. The purpose is to identify common patterns of cognitive impairment in this population, gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between these impairments and addictive behaviors, and contribute to the development of more effective and tailored intervention strategies for adolescents.