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Neural Basis of Altered Impulsivity in Individuals With Internet Gaming Disorder: State-of-the-art Review

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Impulsivity is a core feature and a risk factor of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). Hence, studies started examining the neural mechanisms that underlie this impulsivity. However, the big picture of such mechanisms is not clear. This paper seeks to survey recent cognitive neuroscience research on IGD and impulsivity and provide a synthesized view.

Recent Findings

Research has indicated that individuals with IGD have a greater degree of impulsivity than healthy controls (HC) and recreational Internet gaming users (RGU). This increased impulsivity has been associated with dysfunction or structural changes in the frontal lobe, striatum, amygdala, and insula, as well as the functional connectivity attributes between these areas. Nevertheless, there are some conflicting conclusions that should be explored further.

Summary

Studies have revealed that impulsivity is a risk factor for IGD, and that impulsivity facets are linked to IGD both behaviorally and neurobiologically. Additionally, the functional connections between the frontal lobe, striatum, amygdala, and insula could underlie the link between high impulsivity and IGD.

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Funding

This work was supported by research grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31972906), Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing (cstc2020jcyj-msxmX0215), Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (SWU2209235), the Innovation Research 2035 Pilot Plan of Southwest University (SWUPilotPlan006), the High-end Foreign Expert Introduction Program (G2022168001L), and the Open Research Fund of the State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning (CNLZD2102).

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  1. Faculty of Psychology, MOE Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, 2 Tiansheng Rd, Chongqing, 400715, China

    Hongru Li & Qinghua He

  2. Computing Information Systems, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia

    Ofir Turel

  3. Southwest University Branch, Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment Toward Basic Education Quality, Chongqing, China

    Qinghua He

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Li, H., Turel, O. & He, Q. Neural Basis of Altered Impulsivity in Individuals With Internet Gaming Disorder: State-of-the-art Review. Curr Addict Rep 10, 107–121 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-023-00481-8

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