Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Biologische Grundlagen des Problematischen Internetnutzungsverhaltens (PIN) und therapeutische Implikationen

Biological basis of problematic internet use (PIN) and therapeutic implications

  • übersicht
  • Published:
neuropsychiatrie Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Zusammenfassung

Exzessive Mediennutzung und Internetabhängigkeit sind ein wichtiges gesellschafts- und gesundheitspolitisches Thema der heutigen Zeit, auch wenn die phänomenologische Einteilung von Verhaltenssüchten, wie dem problematischen Internetnutzungsverhalten (PIN), nach wie vor umstritten ist. Die Erforschung von neurobiologischen Mechanismen und biologischen Risiko- und Vulnerabilitätsfaktoren von Verhaltenssüchten hat in den letzten Jahren eine zunehmende Bedeutung in der Wissenschaft erlangt und kann wesentlich zur Verbesserung von bestehenden Therapieansätzen beitragen. Aktuelle neurowissenschaftliche Befunde gehen davon aus, dass bei Verhaltenssüchten ähnliche neurobiologische Mechanismen verantwortlich sind wie bei substanzgebundenen Süchten.

Im vorliegenden Übersichtsartikel sollen bisherige bildgebende Studien zu strukturellen und funktionellen Veränderungen im Gehirn sowie Untersuchungen zu genetischen Risikofaktoren bei Personen mit PIN vorgestellt werden. Dabei weisen erste neurowissenschaftliche Studien auf beeinträchtigte Funktionen im präfrontalen Cortex bei PIN hin, die möglicherweise durch eine geringere Verfügbarkeit des Neurotransmitters Dopamin verursacht werden. Des Weiteren soll der aktuelle Stand der Forschung zu verschiedenen psychologischen/psychotherapeutischen und medikamentösen Therapieansätzen dargestellt werden. Derzeit ist die Datenlage in Bezug auf verschiedene Therapieansätze bei PIN jedoch noch unzureichend um klare evidenzbasierte Behandlungsleitlinien aufzeigen zu können.

Summary

The repetitive excessive use of internet has led to an increasing number of reports about the negative consequences of overuse and is now viewed as an important public health issue, although the diagnosis of internet addiction remains problematic. Increasing knowledge about the neurobiological mechanism of behavioral addictions will promote future research and is essential for the development of specific and effective treatment. Growing evidence suggests that the neurobiological substrates and pathways of internet addiction resemble those of substance dependency and other forms of behavioral addictions.

This paper reviews the current neuroimaging findings and genetic influencing factors for problematic internet use (PIN)/internet addiction. Recent evidence from neuro-scientific studies has pointed out that certain dysfunctions in the prefrontal cortex possibly driven by impaired dopamine neurotransmission are related to symptoms of internet addiction. Finally the literature on psychological and pharmacological interventions for internet addiction will be discussed. However, due to a lack of methodological sound treatment studies in this field it is currently impossible to recommend any evidence-based treatment of internet addiction.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Literatur

  1. Yau YC, Potenza MN, White MA. Problematic internet use, mental health and impulse control in an online survey of adults. J Behav Addict. 2013;2:72–81.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Rehbein F, Mößle T, Arnaud N, Rumpf HJ. Computerspiel- und Internetsucht. Der aktuelle Forschungsstand. Nervenarzt. 2013;84:569–75.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Holden C. Behavioral addictions: do they exist? Science. 2001;294:980–2.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Goodman A. Neurobiology of addiction. An integrative review. Biochem Pharmacol. 2008;75:266–322.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Grant JE, Brewer JA, Potenza MN. The neurobiology of substance and behavioral addictions. CNS Spectr. 2006;11:924–30.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Kühn S, Gallinat J. Common biology of craving across legal and illegal drugs – a quantitative meta-analysis of cue-reactivity brain response. Behav Neurosci. 2011;33:1318–26.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Liu X, Hairston J, Schrier M, Fan J. Common and distinct networks underlying reward valence and processing stages: a meta-analysis of functional neuroimaging studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2011;35:1219–36.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Volkow ND, Wang GJ, Fowler JS, Tomasi D, Telang F. Addiction: beyond dopamine reward circuitry. PNAS. 2011;108:15037–42.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Hong SB, Zalesky A, Cocchi L, Fornito A, Choi EJ, Kim HH, Suh JE, Kim CD, Kim JW, Yi SH. Decreased functional brain connectivity in adolescents with internet addiction. PLOS ONE. 2013;8:e57831.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Kim SH, Baik SH, Park CS, Kim SJ, Choi SW, Kim SE. Reduced striatal dopamine D2 receptors in people with internet addiction. Neuroreport. 2011;22:407–11.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Hou H, Jia S, Hu S, Fan R, Sun W, Sun T, Zhang H. Reduced striatal dopamine transporter in people with internet addiction disorder. J Biomed Biotechnol. 2012;2012:854524. (Article ID 854524).

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Ko CH, Liu GC, Hsiao S, Yen JY, Yang MJ, Lin WC, Yen CF, Chen CS. Brain activities associated with gaming urge of online gaming addiction. J Psychiatr Res. 2009;43:739–47.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Han DH, Kim YS, Lee YS, Min KJ, Renshaw PF. Changes in cue-induced, prefrontal cortex activity with video-game play. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2010;13:655–61.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Dong G, DeVito EE, Du X, Cui Z. Impaired inhibitory control in ‚internet addiction disorder‘: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Psychiatry Res. 2012;203:153–8.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Yuan K, Qin W, Wang G, Zeng F, Zhao L, Yang X, Liu P, Liu J, Sun J, von Deneen KM, Gong Q, Liu Y, Tian J. Microstructure abnormalities in adolescents with internet addiction disorder. PLOS ONE. 2011;6:e20708.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Zhou J, Lin FC, Du YS, Qin LD, Zhao ZM, Xu RJ, Lei H. Gray matter abnormalities in internet addiction: a voxel-based morphometry study. Eur J Radiol. 2011;79:92–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Markela-Lerenc J, Ille N, Kaiser S, Fiedler P, Mundt C, Weisbrod M. Prefrontal-cingulate activation during executive control: which comes first? Cogn Brain Res. 2004;18:278–87.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Kreek MJ, Nielsen DA, Butelman ER, LaForge KS. Genetic influences on impulsivity, risk taking, stress responsivity and vulnerability to drug abuse and addiction. Nat Neurosci. 2005;8:1450–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Edenberg HJ, Foroud T. The genetics of alcoholism: identifying specific genes through family studies. Addict Biol. 2006;11:386–96.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Haerian BS, Haerian MS. OPRM1 rs1799971 polymorphism and opioid dependence: evidence from a meta-analysis. Pharmacogenetics. 2013;14:813–24.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Brewer JA, Potenza MN. The neurobiology and genetics of impulse control disorders: relationships to drug addictions. Biochem Pharmacol. 2008;75:63–75.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Gatt JM, Burton KL, Williams LM, Schofield PR. Specific and common genes implicated across major mental disorders: a review of meta-analysis studies. J Psychiatr Res. 2015;60:1–13.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Han DH, Lee JS, Young KC, Kim EY, Lyoo IK, Renshaw PF. Dopamine genes and reward dependence in adolescents with excessive internet video game play. J Addict Med. 2007;1:133–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Kim EY, Lee YS, Han DH, Suh DS, Kee BS. Temperament and genetic polymorphism in Korean male adolescents with internet addiction tendency. J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc. 2006;45:468–75.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Lee YS, Han DH, Yang KC, Daniels MA, Na C, Kee BS, Renshaw PF. Depression like characteristics of 5HTTLPR polymorphism and temperament in excessive internet users. J Affect Disord. 2008;109:165–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Clarke H, Fint J, Attwood AS, Munafo MR. Association of the 5-HTTLPR genotype and unipolar depression: a meta-analysis. Psychol Med. 2010;40:1767–78.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Sen S, Burmeister M, Ghosh D. Meta-analysis of the association between a serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and anxiety related personality traits. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet. 2004;127B:85–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. van Roekel E, Scholte RH, Verhagen M, Goossens L, Engels RC. Loneliness in adolescence: gene x environment interactions involving the serotonin transporter gene. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2010;51:747–54.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Karg K, Burmeister M, Shedden K, Sen S. The serotonin transporter promoter variant (5-HTTLPR), stress, and depression. Meta-analysis revisited. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2011;68:444–54.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Risch N, Herrell R, Lehner T, Liang KY, Eaves L, Hoh J, Griem A, Kovacs M, Ott J, Merkikangas KR. Interaction between the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR), stressful life events, and risk of depression. JAMA. 2009;301:2462–71.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Eyal E. Jenseits des Abstinenzparadigmas – Ziele in der Suchttherapie. Suchttherapie. 2004;5:2–9.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Batthyány D. Internetsucht – Phänomenologie und therapeutische Ansätze. Psychotherapie – Wissenschaft. 2012. http://www.psychotherapie-wissen.schaft.info/index.php/psy-wis/article/view/86/329. Zugegriffen: 17. Mai 2015.

  33. Eichenberg C. Internetnutzung geht mit unsicherer Bindung einher. Deutsches Ärzteblatt PP 2014;6:269–271.

  34. Beck AT, Wright FD, Newman CF, Liese BS. Cognitive therapy of substance abuse. New York: Guilford Press; 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Hall AS, Parsons J. Internet addiction: college student case study using best practices in cognitive behavior therapy. J Ment Health Couns. 2001;23:312–27.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Young KS. Cognitive behavior therapy with Internet addicts: treatment outcomes and implications. Cyberpsychol Behav. 2007;10:671–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Kaneez FS, Zhu K, Tie L, Osman NB. Is cognitive behavioral therapy as an intervention for possible internet addiction disorder? J Drug Alcohol Res. 2013;2:1–9. (Article ID 235819).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Wölfling K, Jo C, Bengesser I, Beutel ME, Müller KW, Batra A, Buchkremer G. Computerspiel- und Internetsucht: Ein kognitiv-behaviorales Behandlungsmanual. Stuttgart: Kohlhammer Verlag; 2012.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Jäger S, Müller KW, Ruckes C, Wittig T, Batra A, Musalek M, Mann K, Wölfling K, Beutel ME. Effects of a manualized short-term treatment of internet and computer game addiction (STICA): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2012;13:43.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Wölfling K, Beutel ME. Internetsucht bei Jugendlichen. Monatsschrift Kinderheilkunde. 2014;162:496–502.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Hase M. Traumatisierter sucht Bindung. Über die Zusammenhänge zwischen Bindung, Bindungsstörung, seelischer Traumatisierung und substanzgebundener Abhängigkeit. In: Brisch KH, Herausgeber. Bindung und Sucht. Stuttgart: Klett-Kotta; 2013. S. 92–109.

    Google Scholar 

  42. Flores PJ. Addiction as an attachment disorder: implications for group therapy. Int J Group Psychother. 2001;51:63–81.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Lampen-Imkamp S, te Wildt B. Phänomenologie, Diagnostik und Therapie der Internet- und Computerspielabhängigkeit. In: Hardt J, Cramer-Düncher U, Ochs M, Herausgeber. Verloren in virtuellen Welten. Computerspielsucht im Spannungsfeld von Psychotherapie und Pädagogik. Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht; 2009. S. 120–31.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  44. Schmidt S, Strauss B. Bindung und Coping. In: Strauss B, Buchheim A, Kächele H, Herausgeber. Klinische Bindungforschung. Stuttgart: Schattauer; 2002. S. 255–71.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Uhl A. Puhm A. Co-Abhängigkeit – Ein hilfreiches Konzept. Wien Z Suchtforsch. 2007;30:13–20.

    Google Scholar 

  46. Winkler A, Dörsing B, Rief W, Shen Y, Glombiewski JA. Treatment of internet addiction: a meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev. 2013;33:317–29.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. King DL, Delfabbro PH, Griffiths MD, Gradisar M. Assessing clinical trials of internet addiction treatment: a systematic review and CONSORT evaluation. Clin Psychol Rev. 2011;31:1110–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Dell’Osso B, Hadley S, Allen A, Baker B, Chaplin WF, Hollander E. Escitalopram in the treatment of impulsive-compulsive internet usage disorder: an open-label trial followed by a double-blind discontinuation phase. J Clin Psychiatry. 2008;69:452–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Sattar P, Ramaswamy S. Internet gaming addiction. Can J Psychiatry. 2004;49:869–70.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Han DH, Hwang JW, Renshaw PF. Bupropion sustained release treatment decreases craving for video games and cue-induced brain activity in patients with internet video game addiction. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2010;18:297–304.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Han DH, Renshaw PF. Bupropion in the treatment of problematic online game play in patients with major depressive disorder. J Psychopharmacol. 2012;26:689–96.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Bostwick JM, Bucci JA. Internet sex addiction treatment with naltrexone. Mayo Clin Pro. 2008;83:226–30.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Atmaca M. A case of problematic internet use successfully treated with an SSRI-antipsychotic combination. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2007;31:961–2.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Han DH, Lee YS, Na C, Ahn JY, Chung US, Daniels MA, Haws CA, Renshaw PF. The effect of methylphenidate on internet video game play in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Compr Psychiatry. 2009;50:251–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Camardese G, De Risio L, Di Nicola M, Pizi G, Janiri L. The role of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of „internet addiction“. Clin Neuropharmacol. 2012;35:283–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Psychologie, Abteilung für Biologische Psychologie, Universität Graz, Universitätsplatz 2/DG, 8010, Graz, Österreich

    Kathrin Bauernhofer, Ilona Papousek, Andreas Fink, Human Friedrich Unterrainer & Elisabeth M. Weiss

  2. Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie, Medizinische Universität Graz, Graz, Österreich

    Human Friedrich Unterrainer

  3. Zentrum für Integrative Suchtforschung (Verein Grüner Kreis), Wien, Österreich

    Human Friedrich Unterrainer

Authors
  1. Kathrin Bauernhofer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ilona Papousek
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Andreas Fink
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Human Friedrich Unterrainer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Elisabeth M. Weiss
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Elisabeth M. Weiss.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Bauernhofer, K., Papousek, I., Fink, A. et al. Biologische Grundlagen des Problematischen Internetnutzungsverhaltens (PIN) und therapeutische Implikationen. Neuropsychiatr 29, 157–162 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40211-015-0164-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40211-015-0164-8

Schlüsselwörter

Keywords

Search

Navigation