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Background and aims: There has been much concern regarding potential harmful effects of video game‐play in the past 40 years, but limited progress in understanding its causal role. This paper discusses the basic requirements for identifying causal effects of video game‐play and argues that most research to date has focused upon ambiguous causal questions. Methods: Video games and mental health are discussed from the perspective of causal inference with compound exposures; that is, exposures with multiple relevant variants that affect outcomes in different ways. Results: Not only does exposure to video games encompass multiple different factors, but also not playing video games is equally ambiguous. Estimating causal effects of a compound exposure introduces the additional challenge of exposure‐version confounding. Conclusions: Without a comparison of well‐defined interventions, research investigating the effects of video game‐play will be difficult to translate into actionable health interventions. Interventions that target games should be compared with other interventions aimed at improving the same outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to explore the interplay between the central and peripheral aspects of gaming and their correlation with internet gaming disorder (IGD) in predicting indicators of psychological distress. The study proposed that the core and peripheral characteristics of gaming serve as confounding variables affecting the direct relationship between IGD and psychological distress. Employing a longitudinal design spanning two distinct timeframes, the research involved 100 esports players from Malaysia, all of whom had participated in at least one official tournament. The outcomes revealed that both the core and peripheral attributes of gaming significantly predicted stress, anxiety, and depression. However, IGD exhibited a significant predictive association only with stress. Notably, the study also detected the confounding effects of core and peripheral characteristics in the direct link between IGD and stress. These results imply that core and peripheral gaming traits should be interpreted as individual differences that amplify susceptibility to IGD and its associated psychological distress indicators. Moreover, the findings suggested that IGD might not be a prominent concern for esports players, potentially due to their training in performance management as athletes. The paper explores further implications stemming from these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The inclusion of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in the fifth revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐5) by the American Psychiatric Association and Gaming Disorder in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐11) by the World Health Organization requires consistent psychological measures for reliable estimates. The current study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Gaming Disorder Test (GDT), the Ten‐Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT‐10), and the Five‐Item Gaming Disorder Test (GDT‐5) and to compare the WHO and the APA frameworks of gaming disorder symptoms in terms of psychopathological symptoms, life satisfaction, and personality traits. Methods: A sample of 723 Swedish gamers was recruited (29.8% women, 68.3% men, 1.9% other, Mage = 29.50 years, SD = 8.91). Results: The results indicated notable differences regarding the estimated possible risk groups between the two frameworks. However, the association between gaming disorder symptoms and personality traits, life satisfaction, and psychopathological symptoms appeared consistent across the two frameworks. The results showed excellent psychometric properties in support of the one‐factor model of the GDT, IGDT‐10, and GDT‐5, including good reliability estimates (McDonald's omega) and evidence of construct validity. Additionally, the results demonstrated full gender and age measurement invariance of the GDT, IGDT‐10, and GDT‐5, indicating that gaming disorder symptoms are measured equally across the subgroups. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the IGDT‐10, GDT‐5, and GDT are appropriate measures for assessing gaming disorder symptoms and facilitating future research in Sweden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methods Results Conclusion Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is receiving increasing attention. In particular, violent gameplay or in‐game spending affects the psychiatric conditions and economic difficulties of patients. We conducted regression analysis and path analysis to investigate the associations between a comprehensive list of factors in patients with IGD, including the degree of internet or gaming dependence, developmental problems, family background, severity of depression, sleeping habits, in‐game spending, and first‐person shooter (FPS) and third‐person shooter (TPS) game playing.The participants were 47 Japanese individuals (39 males and 8 females) aged ≤20 years diagnosed with IGD with complete data from the internet addiction test, autism spectrum quotient, Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. All participants were asked whether their parents have divorce history, whether they have siblings, whether they play FPS or TPS games, and whether they engage in in‐game spending. Firstly, we compared these factors between males and females; secondly, we conducted regression analysis and path analysis in male patients.As for simple comparison between sex, female patients showed greater severity of IGD and depressive score. In regression analysis of male patients, significant associations were found between FPS or TPS game playing and in‐game spending. We also created path diagrams.The results of the comprehensive analyses suggest the possibility that bidirectional synergistic effects could be achieved by gradually reducing both violent game playing and in‐game spending. The concept of internet dependence has a wide range of meanings, and for each subtype, it is important to consider the background that led to the dependence to make individualized environmental adjustments and provide psychotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reward processing dysfunction and inhibition control deficiency have been observed in Internet gaming disorder (IGD). However, it is still unclear whether the previous reinforcement learning depends on reward/punishment feedback influences on the cognitive inhibitory control of IGD. This study compared the differences between an IGD group and healthy people without game experiences in the probability selection task and the subsequent stop signal task by the method of behavioral experiments, in order to explore whether the reward learning ability is impaired in the IGD group. We also discuss the influence of previous reward learning on subsequent inhibition control. The results showed that (1) during the reward learning phase, the IGD group's accuracy was significantly lower than that of the control group; (2) compared with the control group, the IGD group's reaction times were longer in the transfer phase; (3) for no‐go trials of the inhibitory control phase after reward learning, the accuracy of the reward‐related stimulation in the IGD group was lower than that of punishment‐related or neutral stimulation, but there was no significant difference among the three conditions in the control group. These findings indicated that the reinforcement learning ability of the IGD group was impaired, which further caused the abnormal response to reinforcement stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The objective of this study is to underline the impact of Gaming Disorder on the clinical evolution of patients with First Episode Psychosis. The specific aims of the study are to determine the prevalence of gaming disorder among those patients and assess the consequences of gaming on their clinical trajectory. Methods: This is a prospective multicenter cohort study that will enrol 800 patients diagnosed with a first episode psychosis, with a follow‐up period of up to 3 years. Using a systematic screening procedure for gaming disorder, the clinical staff will assess patients gaming habits at admission and every 6 months thereafter. Information from patients' medical records will also be extracted using the same timeframe. Results: The patients' characteristics at admission and during follow‐up will be presented in the form of descriptive statistics and compared between different subgroups of patients using uni‐ and multivariate logistic regression models. Repeated measures ANCOVA will also be performed to analyse the impact of gaming disorders on patients' clinical path as assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and the Clinical Global Impression scale, considering covariates such as psychiatric diagnosis, pharmacological treatment, age, sex/gender, and duration of untreated psychosis. Conclusion: These findings will guide the development of prevention, detection, and treatment strategies for the comorbidity between gaming disorder and first episode psychosis, ultimately improving the patients' recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: There are dozens of screening instruments purporting to measure the (Internet) gaming disorder (IGD/GD). The two prominent diagnostic manuals, DSM‐5 and ICD‐11, list several additional diagnostic or clinical features and problems (e.g., neglect of sleep, neglect of daily duties, health deterioration) that should co‐occur or be caused by the IGD/GD. It remains unclear how specific IGD/GD operationalizations (different screening scales) are related to these functional impairments. Methods: To explore this, data on six measures of IGD/GD (IGDS9‐SF, GDSS, GDT, GAMES test, two self‐assessments) and 18 additional diagnostic features were collected from a sample of 1009 players who play digital games at least 13 h per week. A network approach was utilized to determine which operationalization is most strongly associated with functional impairment. Results: In most of the networks, IGD/GD consistently emerged as the most central node. Conclusion: The similar centrality of IGD/GD, irrespective of its definition (DSM‐5 or ICD‐11) or operationalization, provides support for the valid comparison or synthesis of results from studies that used instruments coming from both DSM‐5 and ICD‐11 ontologies, but only if the goal is to evaluate IGD/GD relationships to other phenomena, not the relationships between the symptoms themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Video game addiction (VGA) is associated with cognitive problems, particularly deficits in inhibitory control. The present study aimed to investigate behavioural responses and event‐related potential associated with specific response inhibition using the cued Go/NoGo task to examine the effects of VGA on brain activity related to response inhibition. Twenty‐five individuals addicted to video games (action video games) and 25 matched healthy controls participated in the study. The results showed that the VGA group had significantly more commission error in the NoGo trials and faster reaction time in the Go trials compared with the control group. The event‐related potential analyses revealed significant reductions in amplitudes of N2 cue and N2 NoGo in the VGA group. While there was no significant difference between the N2 amplitudes of the Go and NoGo trials in the VGA group, the control group had a larger N2 amplitude in the NoGo trials. These results indicate that VGA subjects have difficulties in the early stages of response inhibition, as well as some level of impairment in proactive cognitive control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inhibitory control ability is a crucial cognitive function that enables individuals to regulate their impulses and behaviors in a goal‐directed manner. However, with the increasing prevalence of internet gaming disorder (IGD), there has been growing concern about the impact of excessive gaming on inhibitory control ability. Despite the accumulating evidence on this topic, the research conclusion on whether people with IGD have worse inhibition control ability than healthy controls remains inconsistent, and the lack of effective electroencephalography prediction indicators further complicates this issue. To address this research gap, the present study aimed to investigate whether N2 event‐related potential (ERP) and P3 ERP components could serve as reliable indicators of inhibitory control ability in individuals with IGD. Methods: To achieve this goal, a systematic literature search was conducted in several databases, including Web of Science, ScienceDirect (EBSCO), SpringerLink, PubMed, and Wiley Online Library. The inclusion criteria were strictly implemented to ensure the quality of the studies included in the meta‐analysis. In the end, a total of 5 studies, with 139 participants diagnosed with IGD and 139 healthy controls, were included in the analysis. Results: Meta‐analysis revealed large effect sizes of N2 and P3 amplitudes in individuals with IGD, indicating that these two ERP components could be potential indicators of inhibitory control ability. Specifically, the N2 and P3 amplitude was significantly larger in individuals with IGD than in the healthy control group, suggesting deficits in inhibitory control function and increased impulsivity in the IGD group. In the inhibition control task, the IGD group required more cognitive resources to suppress impulsive responses. Conclusion: Overall, the findings of this meta‐analysis shed light on the potential use of N2 and P3 amplitudes as reliable indicators of inhibitory control ability in individuals with IGD. The results provide crucial insights into the neural mechanisms underlying inhibitory control impairment in IGD, which could inform the development of effective interventions for this condition. Further research is needed to explore the functional significance of these ERP components and their potential clinical applications in the diagnosis and treatment of IGD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a collection of abstracts from various articles that explore the psychological impacts of gaming and internet addiction. The articles cover topics such as the validation of gaming disorder instruments, the neural mechanisms underlying emotion dysregulation in individuals with internet gaming disorder, the psychological impacts of online gaming on teenagers, the specific needs of professional gamers, and the predictive effects of positive youth development attributes and parenting behaviors on social networking addiction in Hong Kong adolescents. The studies also examine the effectiveness of psychological and pharmacological interventions for problematic gaming, the biopsychosocial factors of gaming disorder, and the relationship between harsh parenting and internet addiction. Overall, these studies provide valuable insights into the factors and interventions related to problematic gaming and internet addiction. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Gaming behavior can induce cerebral changes that may be related to the neurobiological features of gaming disorder (GD). Additionally, individuals with higher levels of depression or impulsivity are more likely to experience GD. Therefore, the present pilot study explored potential neurobiological correlates of GD in the context of depression and impulsivity, after accounting for video gaming behavior. Methods: Using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), a cross‐sectional study was conducted with 35 highly involved male adult gamers to examine potential associations between GD severity and regional homogeneity (ReHo) in the entire brain. A mediation model was used to test the role of ReHo in the possible links between depression/impulsivity and GD severity. Results: Individuals with greater GD severity showed increased ReHo in the right Heschl's gyrus and decreased ReHo in the right hippocampus (rHip). Furthermore, depression and impulsivity were negatively correlated with ReHo in the rHip, respectively. More importantly, ReHo in the rHip was found to mediate the associations between depression/impulsivity and GD. Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that GD severity is related to ReHo in brain regions associated with learning/memory/mood and auditory function. Higher levels of depression or impulsivity may potentiate GD through the functional activity of the hippocampus. Our findings advance our understanding of the neurobiological differences behind GD symptoms in highly involved gamers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the risk factors of pathological hikikomori during the COVID-19 pandemic among working adults who initially did not experience social isolation. Hikikomori is characterized by home confinement and social avoidance. The study found that factors such as unemployment, isolation, depression, social anxiety, and risk-avoiding tendency were positively associated with pathological hikikomori, while higher resilience was identified as a protective factor. The study suggests the need for different coping strategies in the new normal society and highlights the potential mental health issues associated with the pandemic. The document includes references and supporting information on hikikomori, mental health during the pandemic, and the use of antipsychotic medication. It also includes a case report of a patient experiencing tardive dystonia related to the use of brexpiprazole, with improvement after switching to clozapine. [Extracted from the article]

Aims, Design and Setting: The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of the integrated cognitive--behavioral therapy with a strength-based motivational approach [integrated cognitive--behavioral therapy (ICBT)] intervention to change gaming disorder (GD) symptoms and other outcomes and to study the therapeutic mechanism. A two-arm parallel randomized waiting-list controlled trial with 3- and 6-month follow-ups were conducted in a secondary vocational school in mainland China. Participants: Participants comprised 77 Chinese adolescents with GD symptoms with a mean age of 16.36 years [standard deviation (SD) = 0.93]; 88.3% were male Interventions: Participants were randomized into an ICBT group (n = 38) and a waiting-list control (WLC, n = 39) group. ICBT intervention comprised eight weekly sessions to encourage participants to identify their interests and strengths and set goals for developing personally meaningful real-life activities. Measurements and Findings: The outcomes were measured at pre-treatment (t0), post-treatment (t1), 3-month (t2) and 6-month (t3) follow-ups. The primary outcome was GD symptoms at t3. Secondary outcomes included GD symptoms at t1 and t2, and gaming motivation, maladaptive gaming cognition, depression and anxiety symptoms at t1, t2 and t3. With the intention-to-treat principle, the GD scores at t3 were significantly different between the CBT and WLC groups [mean difference 62.08 (SD = 10.48) versus 73.64 (SD = 11.70); Hedges' g = 1.15, 95% confidence interval = 0.67-1.62]. Linear mixed-effects modeling showed significant group x time interaction for the secondary outcomes (P < 0.01), with a moderate to strong between-group effect size in the reduction in depression symptoms (g = 0.67-0.84) and anxiety symptoms (g = 0.6--0.64). Path analysis shows ICBT leads to GD reduction through reducing gaming motivation and maladaptive gaming cognition. Conclusions: An integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy with strength-based motivational approach intervention reduced gaming disorder symptoms and time spent gaming over a 6-month period by decreasing maladaptive gaming motivation and cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies increasingly highlight involvement of the cerebellum in drug craving and addiction. However, its exact role, that is, whether the cerebellum is a critical component of a brain network underlying addictive behaviour, or whether it rather is a facilitator or mediator, is still unclear. Findings concerning the newly recognized internet gaming disorder (IGD) suggest that changes in cerebellar connectivity and functioning are associated with behavioural/non‐substance addiction. Here, we systematically review the literature on IGD and cerebellar involvement following the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 13 neuroimaging studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies utilized a broad range of diagnostic instruments and resulting cut‐off criteria, rendering it difficult to compare findings. Results on altered cerebro‐cerebellar connectivity in patients with IGD are mixed; most studies report altered or increased functional connectivity. Moreover, decreased cerebellar grey matter volume is reported. Studies have further indicated that differential activation patterns in the cerebellum may enable discrimination between healthy subjects and subjects with IGD, even allowing for prediction of treatment outcomes. Given the strong connectivity between the cerebellum and cerebral regions, the cerebellum may act as an intermediary between regions involved in craving and addiction and consequently affect symptoms of IGD. Results suggest differential involvement of the cerebellar lobes, emphasizing a need for high‐resolution parcellation of the cerebellum in future studies. However, the studies included in the present review have small sample sizes and include mostly male participants. Thus, results may have limited generalizability yet highlight a crucial role of the cerebellum in IGD that needs further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: The inclusion of gaming disorder (GD) in the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD‐11) has generated scholarly debate, including claims about its potential stigmatizing effects on the wider gaming population. The present study aimed to estimate the effect of addiction‐based and non‐addiction–based conceptualizations of problem gaming on stigma of gamers. Design: This preregistered experiment involved a 2 (health information: addiction‐related or non‐addiction‐related) × 3 (vignette: problem, regular or casual gamer) randomized, between‐subjects design. Setting: An international sample of participants was recruited via Prolific in June and July 2021. Participants: Participants were eligible (n = 1228) if they were aged 35 to 50 years, played video games for no more than 6 hours per week and did not endorse DSM‐5 or ICD‐11 criteria for GD. Intervention and comparator: Participants were provided with an explanation of problem gaming as related to either an addictive disorder (i.e. 'addiction' explanation) or personal choice and lifestyle factors (i.e. 'non‐addiction' explanation). Measurements The Attribution Questionnaire (AQ) and Universal Stigma Scale (USS) assessed stigma toward each gamer vignette. Vignettes described a problem gamer (with features of GD); a regular gamer (frequent gaming; some life interference); and a casual gamer (infrequent gaming; no life interference). Findings Problem gamer vignettes (mean [M] = 113.3; 95% CI = 111.5–115.4) received higher AQ stigma ratings than regular (M = 94.0; 95% CI = 91.9–95.9) and casual gamers (M = 80.1; 95% CI = 78.2–82.1). Although significant, the effect of health information type on AQ stigma ratings was negligible (addiction group [M = 97.6; 95% CI = 95.9–99.1], non‐addiction group [M = 94.1; 95% CI = 92.6–95.8]). However, the addiction information group scored lower on USS blame and responsibility than the non‐addiction information group with at least a small effect (99.1% confidence). Conclusions: Framing of problem gaming as an addictive disorder or non‐addictive activity appears to have a negligible effect on stigma of different gamers among middle‐age adults with minimal gaming experience. The concept of 'gaming addiction' seems unlikely to be an important influence on public stigma of gaming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For decades, video game‐related behaviors have been investigated in different psychologic research, much of whose attention has been paid to video game addiction (VGA), while the differences between VGA and social media addiction (SMA) should have deserved more attention. In addition to detecting common risk factors of VGA, one core question is whether social inclination (individualism or collectivism) matters. Object: The objectives of this study were to clarify the prevalence of VGA and SMA,, identify the influencing factors of VGA, and clarify the relationships between VGA and adolescents' individualism–collectivism inclination. Method: The survey was conducted among 110 adolescent psychiatric patients. For each interviewee, psychological scales were filled face to face. Path analysis was used to examine the causation structure of the childhood trauma‐related symptoms. Result: The prevalence of VGA was 40.9% (45 out of 110), and it was 41.8% for SMA (46 out of 110); childhood trauma, social media addiction, the individualistic inclination, and the rate of homosexuality were observed to be independent indicators for video game addiction (r2 = 0.46). Conclusion: Psychological counseling on patients' internet‐related behaviors may focus on the individualistic personality and possible childhood trauma, which are two important risk factors of video game addiction. It is recommended to distinguish between video game addiction and social addiction in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual and multiple games played on the Internet are seen as a popular leisure activity, which is becoming increasingly common among young people. With the Covid 19 pandemic, the interest in Internet games has increased because young people spend more time at home. This has led to an increase in Internet gaming disorder, which is recognized by the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization. When the literature is examined, attention is drawn to the importance of revealing the factors associated with Internet gaming disorder to combat Internet gaming disorder in young people. This research was carried out to reveal the Internet gaming disorder profiles of university students in Turkey and to determine the factors associated with it. In this direction, the structural relationships between cyberloafing, narcissism, locus of control, and social appearance anxiety variables, which are thought to be associated with Internet gaming disorder, were examined. The research data were obtained from 596 university students studying in various cities in Turkey. Research findings show that cyberloafing and locus of control directly affect Internet gaming disorder. Narcissism, on the other hand, has been shown to have a mediating effect on Internet gaming disorder through cyberloafing. It has been determined that Internet gaming disorder affects social appearance anxiety. Research results show that Internet gaming disorder can be reduced by improving internal locus of control and reducing cyberloafing behaviors and narcissism. The results of the research will provide tips to experts on interventions that can be made for students with Internet gaming disorder. In line with the findings obtained from the research, what can be done to combat Internet gaming disorder is discussed. Practitioner points: Cyberloafing, locus of control, narcissism direct effect Internet gaming disorder.Internet gaming disorder and locus of control direct effect social appearance anxiety.Internet gaming disorder plays a mediating role between social appearance anxiety and cyberloafing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Insomnia displays heterogeneous trajectories across adolescence, which may induce addictive behaviours, including internet gaming disorder and substance use. This study aimed to investigate the latent trajectory classes of insomnia symptoms over 2 years and to examine the associations between insomnia trajectories and these addictive behaviours. Participants were 910 adolescents from six middle schools in Shanghai, China (52.7% males; mean age = 13.17 years). The three‐wave survey measured insomnia symptoms, internet gaming disorder, substance use, depressive symptoms, and sociodemographic characteristics from 7th to 9th grade. Latent class growth modelling was performed to identify the latent trajectory classes of insomnia symptoms. Then multivariable logistic regressions were conducted within the best‐fitting latent class growth model to examine the associations of insomnia trajectories with internet gaming disorder and substance use. Two latent trajectory classes of insomnia symptoms were recognised: the non‐insomnia group (71.8%) and the insomnia group (28.2%). In the multivariable analysis controlling for baseline demographic variables and depressive symptoms, the insomnia group had a higher risk of developing internet gaming disorder (OR = 2.203 [95% CI: 1.258–3.858]) and substance use (OR = 2.215 [95% CI: 1.324–3.705]) compared with the non‐insomnia group. These findings add to a growing body of research on heterogeneous trajectories of insomnia symptoms during adolescence, suggesting that intervention strategies are needed to target the characteristics or developmental patterns of different insomnia subgroups. The ultimate goal is to mitigate the impact of insomnia symptoms on adolescent addictive behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is associated with health, social, and academic problems but whether these are consequences of the disorder rather than precursors or correlates is unclear. We aimed to evaluate whether IGD in the 1st year of university predicts health, academic and social problems 1 year later, controlling for baseline health, academic and social problems, demographics, and mental health symptoms. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, 1741 university students completed both a baseline online survey in their 1st year and a follow‐up survey 1 year later. Log‐binomial models examined the strength of prospective associations between baseline predictor variables (IGD, baseline health, academic and social problems, sex, age, and mental health symptoms) and occurrence of health, academic and social problems at follow‐up. Results: When extensively adjusted by the corresponding outcome at baseline, any mental disorder symptoms, sex, and age, baseline IGD was associated only with severe school impairment and poor social life (risk ratio [RR] = 1.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14–2.75, p =.011; RR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.07–1.38, p =.002, respectively). Conclusions and Scientific Significance: University authorities and counselors should consider that incoming 1st‐year students that meet criteria for IGD are likely to have increased academic and social impairments during their 1st year for which they may want to intervene. This study adds to the existing literature by longitudinally examining a greater array of negative outcomes of IGD than previously documented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and tobacco use disorder (TUD) are globally common, non‐substance‐related disorders and substance‐related disorders worldwide, respectively. Recognizing the commonalities between IGD and TUD will deepen understanding of the underlying mechanisms of addictive behavior and excessive online gaming. Using node strength, 141 resting‐state data were collected in this study to compute network homogeneity. The participants included participants with IGD (PIGD: n = 34, male = 29, age: 15–25 years), participants with TUD (PTUD: n = 33, male = 33, age: 19–42 years), and matched healthy controls (control‐for‐IGD: n = 41, male = 38, age: 17–32 years; control‐for‐TUD: n = 33, age: 21–27 years). PIGD and PTUD exhibited common enhanced node strength between the subcortical and motor networks. Additionally, a common enhanced resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC) was found between the right thalamus and right postcentral gyrus in PIGD and PTUD. Node strength and RSFC were used to distinguish PIGD and PTUD from their respective healthy controls. Interestingly, models trained on PIGD versus controls could classify PTUD versus controls and vice versa, suggesting that these disorders share common neurological patterns. Enhanced connectivity may indicate a greater association between rewards and behaviors, inducing addiction behaviors without flexible and complex regulation. This study discovered that the connectivity between the subcortical and motor networks is a potential biological target for developing addiction treatment in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The high comorbidity rates of internet gaming disorder (IGD) and gaming disorder (GD) with other psychiatric disorders are concerning. A follow‐up study of gamers from clinical and nonclinical samples with and without diagnoses of IGD or GD was conducted to investigate the changes in diagnoses over a 1‐year period, compare their diagnostic stability, and examine the patterns of co‐occurrence between IGD and GD with other psychiatric disorders over the same period. Methods: Baseline and 1‐year follow‐up data of 279 participants, including 120 problematic gaming patients and 159 gamers from the general population, were analyzed. Information on demographics, gaming habits, and self‐reported psychological status was collected. Additionally, a structured interview was conducted using the Gaming Diagnostic Interview and the Mini‐International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Results: Although there was no significant difference between the changes in IGD/GD diagnosis during the 1‐year period, 34.7% of the participants had a change in IGD diagnosis, while the number of GD cases increased to 60.4%. When evaluating the fixed effects of comorbidity on IGD and GD, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder had the highest odds ratio for both IGD (75.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 10.67–530.61) and GD (117.02 × 106; 95% CI, 2.23 × 106–6132.64 × 106). Conclusion: These results reveal that a GD diagnosis might be more prone to change than an IGD diagnosis. GD was also found to be more affected by comorbid psychiatric disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavioral addictions such as social media addiction and internet gaming disorder are prevalent among adolescent populations. Although studies have investigated predictors of these addictive behaviors with international samples of adolescents, less is known about American adolescents. In this study, we investigated the predictive nature of emotion regulation after controlling for age, gender, and race with regard to social media addiction and internet gaming disorder severity. Results indicate that gender and emotion regulation significantly predicted both forms of behavioral addictions with small to moderate effects. Specifically, female gender and lower emotion regulation significantly predicted social media addiction and male gender and lower emotion regulation significantly predicted internet gaming disorder severity. Implications for mental health professionals are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For some adolescent gamers, playing online games may become problematic, impairing functioning in personal, family, and other life domains. Parental and family factors are known to influence the odds that adolescents may develop problematic gaming (PG), negative parenting and conflictual family dynamics increasing the risk, whereas positive parenting and developmentally supportive family dynamics protecting against PG. This suggests that a treatment for adolescent PG should not only address the gaming behaviors and personal characteristics of the youth, but also the parental and family domains. An established research‐supported treatment meeting these requirements is multidimensional family therapy (MDFT), which we adapted for use as adolescent PG treatment. We report here on one adaptation, applying in‐session gaming. In‐session demonstration of the "problem behavior" is feasible and informative in PG. In the opening stage of therapy, we use in‐session gaming to establish an alliance between the therapist and the youth. By inviting them to play games, the therapist demonstrates that they are taken seriously, thus boosting treatment motivation. Later in treatment, gaming is introduced in family sessions, offering useful opportunities to intervene in family members' perspectives and interactional patterns revealed in vivo as the youth plays the game. These sessions can trigger strong emotions and reactions from the parents and youth and give rise to maladaptive transactions between the family members, thus offering ways to facilitate new discussions and experiences of each other. The insights gained from the game demonstration sessions aid the therapeutic process, more so than mere discussion about gaming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reflects on a study that explores the association between video game addiction and early-stage inhibitory control issues. The study, conducted in Taiwan, used a cued Go/NoGo task to examine brain activity related to response inhibition. The authors find the study's approach and findings compelling and significant, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts between parents and educators to address digital addiction among youth. The use of event-related potentials (ERPs) to explore the neural underpinnings of inhibitory control issues is seen as insightful, and the identification of specific ERP components provides a concrete basis for understanding the cognitive impairments associated with video game addiction. The study prompts further investigation into long-term cognitive and social outcomes and the effectiveness of interventions and educational programs. The authors emphasize the need for informed, multi-faceted strategies to address digital addictions and suggest that insights from diverse contexts, such as Taiwan, can enhance our understanding and response to these challenges. [Extracted from the article]

Background and objectives: Excessive smartphone use, also referred to as "smartphone addiction" (SPA), has increasingly attracted neuroscientific interest due to its similarities with other behavioral addictions, particularly internet gaming disorder. Little is known about the neural mechanisms underlying smartphone addiction. We explored interrelationships between brain structure and function to specify neurobiological correlates of SPA on a neural system level. Methods: Gray matter volume (GMV) and intrinsic neural activity (INA) were investigated in individuals with SPA (n = 20) and controls (n = 24), using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging and multivariate data fusion techniques, that is, parallel independent component analysis. Results: The joint analysis of both data modalities explored shared information between GMV and INA. In particular, two amplitudes of low frequency fluctuations‐based independent neural systems significantly differed between individuals with SPA and controls. A medial/dorsolateral prefrontal system exhibited lower functional network strength in individuals with SPA versus controls, whereas the opposite pattern was detected in a parietal cortical/cerebellar system. Neural network strength was significantly related to duration of smartphone use and sleep difficulties. Discussion and conclusions: We show modality‐specific associations of the brain's resting‐state activity with distinct and shared SPA symptom dimensions. In particular, the data suggest contributions of aberrant prefrontal and parietal neural network strength as a possible signature of deficient executive control in SPA. Scientific significance: This study suggests distinct neural mechanisms underlying specific biological and behavioral dimensions of excessive smartphone use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in the American Journal on Addictions, discusses the recognition of behavioral addictions (BAs) as psychiatric diagnoses in the DSM-5 and ICD-11. The authors emphasize that BAs are often underdiagnosed and undertreated. While there are currently no FDA-approved medications for BAs, the article highlights various medications and behavioral approaches that can help patients. The symposium presented information on gambling disorder (GD), internet gaming disorder (IGD), problematic pornography use (PPU), and compulsive sexual behaviors. The article also explores the co-occurrence of BAs with other psychiatric disorders and provides screening tools and treatment options for BAs. The authors stress the importance of active screening for BAs in clinical settings and highlight the promising interventions and screening tools available for clinicians to assist their patients. [Extracted from the article]

Online video gaming is a popular activity among people of all ages. For some, however, gaming can become problematic. While evidence exists for the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy for gaming disorder (GD), a major challenge is that adolescents and young adults, particularly males, are often reluctant to seek help and engage long term with a mental health practitioner. This report presents a case involving brief parent‐delivered contingency management for a 19‐year‐old male with GD who refused to engage with treatment services following a significant decline in functioning and a high‐lethality suicide attempt. This approach led to a substantial reduction in gaming time, as well as related gains in self‐care and independence. This case highlights the value and feasibility of developing a therapeutic alliance with a parent to manage excessive gaming behaviours among treatment‐refusing individuals with GD. Practical challenges and associated lessons from managing this case are discussed. Practitioner pointsBrief parent‐delivered contingency management was implemented for a 19‐year‐old treatment‐refusing male with GD.This approach led to a substantial reduction in the young man's gaming time as well as related gains in areas of self‐care and independence at 6‐month follow‐up.This case highlights the value and feasibility of developing a therapeutic alliance with a parent to manage excessive gaming behaviours among treatment‐refusing individuals with GD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Disordered Internet gaming is thought to be perpetuated by one's need to escape their real‐life distress or mental health symptoms, which may in turn generate depressive feelings. Nevertheless, moderate engagement with Internet games has also been suggested to provide relief, thus improving one's mood. This study aspires to clarify the contribution of Internet gaming and gender in the association between anxiety and depression. Methods: A large sample of Internet gamers (N = 964) were recruited online. Disordered Internet gaming was assessed with the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale, 9 Items Short Form (IGD9S‐SF). Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, 21 items (DASS‐21). Results: Regression, moderation and moderated moderation analyses accounting for the effects of gender on the relationship between disordered gaming, anxiety, and depression found a significant effect for anxiety symptoms on depression symptoms and a significant interaction between anxiety and Internet gaming disorder on depression symptoms. Findings support the theory that although anxious gamers bear a higher depression risk, this is buffered with lower and exacerbated with higher disordered gaming symptoms. Conclusion: Findings suggest a dual role of Internet gaming in the association between anxiety and depression, depending on the intensity of one's disordered gaming symptoms. Depression prevention and intervention protocols should be optimized by considering the effects of Internet gaming among anxious gamers by focusing on the intensity of a gamer's involvement and any gaming disorder symptoms. Further research should include clinical samples to better understand this interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Video game addiction (VGA) is associated with physical and mental disorders, one of which is problem in executive function, particularly inhibitory control. The present study aimed to investigate reactive and proactive inhibitory controls by event‐related potential (ERP). Methods: Thirty video game (action video games)‐addicted subjects and 30 matched healthy controls participated in the study, who were tested by the selective stop‐signal task. Results: The main results revealed that the VGA group had significantly more problems in preparatory processes and proactive stop trials, showing that VGA has a negative effect on proactive inhibition. Conclusion: Finding the problem in proactive inhibitory control might be helpful in developing new treatments and rehabilitation methods in these fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Missed chance is a powerful factor in shaping risk‐taking behaviour. The abnormal risk‐taking behaviour is an obvious feature of individuals with Internet gaming disorder (IGD). However, the relationship between the neural responses to missed chance and risk‐taking behaviour in IGD individuals remains unclear. In the current fMRI study, 28 IGD subjects (12 female, 23.04 ± 2.43 years old) and 26 healthy control (HC) subjects (13 female, 23.58 ± 2.67 years old) participated in fMRI scanning during performance of a sequential risk‐taking task. The general linear model and the psycho‐physiological interaction analyses were conducted to explore the difference in neural responses between the two groups. The results showed that IGD subjects reported more regret for the large missed chance and took more risk than HC subjects. Moreover, compared with HC subjects, IGD subjects exhibited greater activations in brain regions like ventral striatum (VS) and superior frontal gyrus (SFG), and stronger VS‐thalamus functional connectivity for the large missed chance. Additionally, among IGD subjects, the SFG activation for the large missed chance was positively correlated with the risk‐taking behaviour. Together, the results revealed the altered neural responses to missed chance contributed to the risk‐taking behaviour in IGD individuals. The findings could help to clearly understand why IGD individuals continue playing online games despite the risks of widely known and could provide a new perspective for the intervention of IGD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have shown that internet gaming disorder (IGD) has the potential to be a type of addiction; however, direct comparisons (similarities and differences) between IGD and traditional addictions remain scarce, especially at the neuroimaging level. Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were collected from 92 individuals with IGD, 96 individuals with tobacco use disorders (TUDs) and 107 individuals who served as healthy controls (HCs). Independent component analysis (ICA) was performed to explore the similarities and differences among these three groups; Granger causality analysis (GCA) was further performed based on the ICA results to determine potential neural features underlying the differences and similarities among the groups. The ICA results indicated significant differences in the subcortical network and cerebellar network. GCA results found that significant differences in bilateral caudate among three groups, and the efferents of dorsal frontostriatal circuit showed significant differences in insula among three groups, whereas efferents of ventral frontostriatal circuit showed significant differences in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Two kinds of addiction showed differences in thalamus and frontostriatal circuits, and similar changes found in cerebellum and mPFC regions. It suggested that addiction disorders have psychopathology features, and the craving and reward dysfunctions may be the key reasons. Although both substance addiction and behaviour addiction showed craving dysfunction in cerebellum, however, the key reward dysfunction of substance addiction was found in subcortical regions, whereas behaviour addiction located in cortical regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has been classified by the DSM‐5 as a condition for further study, and many studies have shown that the occurrence and maintenance of IGD and the automatic detection bias to gaming cues of individuals with IGD may be significantly related. However, whether abstinence, a common intervention method in behavioral addiction, can adjust the automatic detection bias in individuals with IGD and its underlying neural mechanisms is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of 7 days of abstinence from gaming on automatic detection bias, negative affect and craving in individuals with IGD with event‐related potential technology. A total of 50 IGD subjects were recruited in this study and randomly divided into abstinence and control groups. Visual mismatch negativity (vMMN) was induced using a standard‐deviant reversed oddball paradigm, and differences in automatic detection bias, negative affect, and craving between the two groups were recorded and compared at baseline, day 3, and day 7. The results showed that compared with baseline, vMMN, negative affect and craving were significantly enhanced on day 3 and significantly diminished on day 7 in the abstinence group but not in the control group, and the changes in vMMN were significantly correlated with changes in negative affect and craving in both groups. This study demonstrates that abstinence can restore automatic detection bias in individuals with IGD and that abstinence has to last for 7 days to have a significant effect, while recovery may be related to the negative affect and craving. This study examined the effects of abstinence on early cognitive processing in Internet gaming disorder (IGD). We found that individuals with IGD had a reduced automatic detection bias for gaming cues after 7 days of abstinence compared with baseline, which was correlated with negative affect and craving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To estimate the aggregated effect sizes of reward‐related decision‐making deficits in internet gaming disorder (IGD) and to explore potential moderators on the variability of effect sizes across studies. Design Review of peer‐reviewed studies comparing reward‐related decision‐making performance between IGD and control participants identified via PubMed, Web of Science and ProQuest databases. Random‐effects modeling was conducted using Hedge's g as the effect size (ES). The effects of decision‐making situation, valence, sample type, testing environment, IGD severity and self‐reported impulsivity on decision‐making differences were examined by moderator analyses. Setting: No restrictions on location. Participants: Twenty‐four studies (20 independent samples) were included in the meta‐analysis, resulting in 604 IGD and 641 control participants and 35 ESs. Measures Reward‐related decision‐making differences between IGD and control groups. Findings The overall ES for decision‐making deficits in IGD was small (g = −0.45, P < 0.01). The effects were comparable across risky, ambiguous and inter‐temporal decision‐making. Larger aggregate ESs were identified for pure‐gain and mixed compared with pure‐loss decision‐making. Studies based on clinical and community samples showed similar effects. No significant difference between behavioral studies and those with extra measurements was observed. Decision‐making alterations were not closely associated with IGD severity or self‐reported impulsivity differences at the study level. Conclusions: Internet gaming disorder appears to be consistently associated with reward‐related decision‐making deficits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addictive use of digital games (problematic gaming [PG]) is a phenomenon with rising prevalence, especially in adolescents. The period of adolescence is characterized by intense brain maturation processes and increased vulnerability for mental disorders. However, no recent systematic review on functional and structural neural correlates of PG is available exclusively for this age group. This paper aimed to close this gap by describing neuroimaging findings and derive clinical implications. A systematic literature search was performed via PubMed, PsycInfo, and PSYNDEX including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies on structural and functional changes in problematic gamers under 20 years of age until December 2020. The findings suggest especially prefrontal brain areas (important for cognitive control functions) but also temporoparietal regions (associated with attention processes and self‐concepts), as well as frontolimbic and subcortical regions (connected to emotion regulation and reward processing) to be significantly altered in adolescents with PG compared with healthy controls. Reduced interhemispheric connectivity and altered network activity further support theories of neurofunctional imbalance as well as structural deficits to explain addictive behaviours. Based on these findings, interventions should specifically address executive and cognitive‐affective deficits together with adolescent‐specific developmental tasks such as personality formation. Methodological limitations including heterogeneous PG classifications need to be considered. Additional neuroimaging studies on PG based on the DSM‐5 or ICD‐11 framework for the (Internet) gaming disorder in adolescents with larger sample sizes and prospective designs are highly warranted to understand potential causality and to generate valid and reproducible results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Craving‐related brain responses have been associated with the emergence and maintenance of addictions. However, little is known about brain network organizations underlying cravings in internet gaming disorder (IGD). Methods: Sixty‐six IGD subjects and 61 matched individuals with recreational game use (RGU) were scanned while performing a cue‐craving task. A recently developed whole‐brain analysis approach, connectome‐based predictive modelling (CPM) with leave‐one‐out cross‐validation was conducted to identify networks that predicted craving responses in IGD. Then, the craving network was tested in different brain states (cue‐craving under deprivation) to investigate replicability. Results: CPM identified an IGD craving network, as indicated by a significant correspondence between predicted and actual craving values (r = 0.49, p < 0.001), characterized by within‐network default mode (DMN) connectivity and connectivity between canonical networks implicated in executive/cognitive control (frontoparietal, medial frontal, DMN) and reward responsiveness (subcortical, motor/sensory). Network strength in the cue‐craving task during gaming deprivation also predicted IGD craving scores (r = 0.43, p = 0.017), indicating network replication across brain states. Conclusions: The CPM results demonstrate that individual differences in cognitive, attention, and control network function can predict craving intensities in IGD subjects. These networks may be targets for potential interventions using brain modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dopamine functioning is an essential mechanism underlying addictive behaviors. This paper evaluates the association of Internet gaming disorder (IGD) with the catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) val158met polymorphism and examines the roles of impulsivity and reinforcement sensitivity in this association. Using diagnostic interviews, this study recruited 69 participants with IGD and 138 participants without. All participants underwent diagnostic interviews for IGD and an evaluation for the COMT val158met polymorphism, impulsivity, and reinforcement sensitivity. Among participants with the Val/Val genotype, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for IGD was 2.09 (1.15–3.80). The IGD–Val/Val genotype association was mediated by impulsivity and fun‐seeking. The Val/Val genotype is indicative of low frontal functioning and is a predictive factor of IGD, with this effect being confounded by impulsivity and fun‐seeking. Interventions targeting impulsivity and fun‐seeking might attenuate the risk of IGD, particularly among individuals with the Val/Val genotype. Additional studies are necessary to elucidate the possible role of dopamine functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the phenomenon of hikikomori, which refers to individuals who stay at home and avoid social participation for more than 6 months. The study aims to distinguish between nonpathological hikikomori and pathological hikikomori, which involves significant distress and functional impairments. The researchers also explore the association between hikikomori and gaming disorder tendencies among nonworking adults in Japan. The study finds that individuals in the early stages of pathological hikikomori have a higher tendency for gaming disorder, which may be influenced by depressive symptoms and functional impairments. The study suggests that early intervention for gaming disorder may help prevent or alleviate prolonged hikikomori situations. Further research is needed to establish a causal relationship. [Extracted from the article]

In the eleventh International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐11) of the World Health Organization, gambling disorder and gaming disorder are included in the category 'disorders due to addictive behaviours', which can be specified further as occurring either predominantly offline or predominantly online. Other specific problematic behaviours may be considered for the category 'other specified disorders due to addictive behaviours'. The Research Unit FOR 2974, funded by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG), focuses on the most prominent online addictive behaviours: gaming, pornography use, buying‐shopping and social‐networks use. The main goal of the Research Unit is to contribute to a better understanding of the common and differential psychological as well as neurobiological mechanisms involved in these specific types of Internet‐use disorders. We aim to investigate theoretically argued (bio)psychological processes with a focus on concepts coming from research of substance‐use disorders, for example, cue reactivity and craving, executive functions and specific inhibitory control, coping, implicit cognitions, and decision making. One central characteristic of the Research Unit is that we will investigate all participants using a comprehensive core battery of experimental paradigms, neuropsychological tasks, questionnaires, biomarkers, ambulatory assessment, and a 6‐month follow‐up survey. Beyond the anticipated contributions to the scientific understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development and maintenance of respective online addictive behaviours, we also expect contributions to clinical practice by showing which affective and cognitive mechanisms may be addressed more intensively to optimize treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross‐sectional studies have suggested that functional heterogeneity within the striatum in individuals with addictive behaviours may involve the transition from ventral to dorsal partitions; however, due to limitations of the cross‐sectional design, whether the contribution of this transition to addiction was confused by individual differences remains unclear, especially for internet gaming disorder (IGD). Longitudinal functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from 22 IGD subjects and 18 healthy controls were collected at baseline and more than 6 months later. We examined the connectivity features of subregions within the striatum between these two scans. Based on the results, we further performed dynamic causal modelling to explore the directional effect between regions and used these key features for data classification in machine learning to test the replicability of the results. Compared with controls, IGD subjects exhibited decreased functional connectivity between the left dorsal striatum (putamen) and the left insula, whereas connectivity between the right ventral striatum (nucleus accumbens [Nacc]) and the left insula was relatively stable over time. An inhibitory effective connectivity from the left putamen to the right Nacc was found in IGD subjects during the follow‐up scan. Using the above features, the classification accuracy of the training model developed with the follow‐up was better than that of the model based on the initial scan. Persistent IGD status was accompanied by a switch in the locus of control within the striatum, which provided new insights into association between IGD and drug addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to provide basic information about the analysis of the correlation between online friendship network and internet game disorder among university students. Methods: Study subjects were 77 university students. For analysis of online friendship among them, social network analysis was performed and the analysis of degree, closeness, and betweenness centrality was measured. Assessment of internet game disorder was done using the Korean version of Internet Gaming Disorder Scale. Results: As per the results, the positive correlation showed between in‐closeness centrality and internet gaming disorder (IGD) and the negative correlation showed between out‐closeness centrality and internet gaming disorder. Conclusions: Online friendship is considered to contribute to the changes of internet game disorder level. Thus, in the relationship between online friendship and internet game disorder, closeness centrality should be considered, and causal relation analysis should be performed in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined gender and social intelligence as predictors of internet gaming. Results indicate that gender was associated with internet gaming, whereas social intelligence was not. We also explored withdrawal symptoms for internet gaming. Among those who identified as gamers, 59% reported withdrawal symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the belief of frustration intolerance of individuals with internet gaming disorder (IGD) and its association with depression among them. We recruited 69 participants with IGD and 138 controls (69 regular gamers and other non‐gamers). IGD is diagnosed based on DSM‐5 (DSM stands for diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders) criteria through psychiatric interviews. They had completed the questionnaire for the belief of frustration intolerance, depression, and severity of IGD. The participant with IGD had a higher score on the frustration discomfort scale and its subscales, discomfort intolerance, entitlement, emotional intolerance, and achievement. Further regression analysis demonstrated an independent association between entitlement and IGD in control of depression. The frustration intolerance is also associated with depression and the severity of IGD among the IGD group. The discomfort intolerance and achievement were the most associated factors of depression. Frustration intolerance is a crucial irrational belief of IGD. It contributes to the severity of IGD and depression among individuals with IGD. The frustration intolerance, particularly for discomfort intolerance, entitlement, and achievement, should be assessed and intervened while treating individuals with IGD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Following the recognition of 'internet gaming disorder' (IGD) as a condition requiring further study by the DSM‐5, 'gaming disorder' (GD) was officially included as a diagnostic entity by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐11). However, the proposed diagnostic criteria for gaming disorder remain the subject of debate, and there has been no systematic attempt to integrate the views of different groups of experts. To achieve a more systematic agreement on this new disorder, this study employed the Delphi expert consensus method to obtain expert agreement on the diagnostic validity, clinical utility and prognostic value of the DSM‐5 criteria and ICD‐11 clinical guidelines for GD. Methods: A total of 29 international experts with clinical and/or research experience in GD completed three iterative rounds of a Delphi survey. Experts rated proposed criteria in progressive rounds until a pre‐determined level of agreement was achieved. Results: For DSM‐5 IGD criteria, there was an agreement both that a subset had high diagnostic validity, clinical utility and prognostic value and that some (e.g. tolerance, deception) had low diagnostic validity, clinical utility and prognostic value. Crucially, some DSM‐5 criteria (e.g. escapism/mood regulation, tolerance) were regarded as incapable of distinguishing between problematic and non‐problematic gaming. In contrast, ICD‐11 diagnostic guidelines for GD (except for the criterion relating to diminished non‐gaming interests) were judged as presenting high diagnostic validity, clinical utility and prognostic value. Conclusions: This Delphi survey provides a foundation for identifying the most diagnostically valid and clinically useful criteria for GD. There was expert agreement that some DSM‐5 criteria were not clinically relevant and may pathologize non‐problematic patterns of gaming, whereas ICD‐11 diagnostic guidelines are likely to diagnose GD adequately and avoid pathologizing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author comments on a study by C. R. Galanis and colleagues which investigated the effect of gaming health information on stigma related to gaming disorder using three different vignettes of young male adults. Topics include the effects of biomedical accounts of gaming disorders on the stigma associated to this condition, finding on the population with gaming disorder, and a common reason for seeking help for gaming disorder in children and adolescents.

Objective: This study aimed to understand useful components and mechanisms in treating adolescent gaming disorder. Background: Although video gaming has become a pervasive part of adolescents' daily life that can lead to educational, physical, psychological, and social problems, there is ongoing debate as to whether this is an addiction, and there is little evidence about treatment effectiveness. Method: This process research used a case study design and conducted individual semistructured interviews with 10 male adolescents and 11 parents after they had completed a treatment program. Results: Four treatment components (individual counseling, family counseling, group mentoring and social support, and alternative activities) were generally found to be useful. Counselors were able to engage the adolescents and serve as role models in gaming through creative use of technology. Conclusion: Practitioners working with adolescents with gaming disorder should attend to their developmental needs pertaining to gaming, health, psychosocial, and educational aspects relevant to the Asian context. Implications: Practitioners should go beyond counseling rooms and adopt different strategies to reach out and work with adolescents who are struggling with excessive gaming in different therapeutic settings via engaging and working with them in individual, family, and group contexts using technology, particularly video games. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Internet addiction is a serious problem, and the incidence has increased significantly in recent years. In two cross‐sectional studies over a 4‐year period, we investigated Internet addiction in adolescents and evaluated the resulting changes in their lives. Methods: Junior high‐school students (aged 12 to 15 years) were assessed in 2014 (survey I) and in 2018 (survey II). They filled out Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the Japanese version of the General Health Questionnaire, and a questionnaire on sleep habits and usage of electric devices. Results: In total, 1,382 students were recruited for the two surveys. The mean IAT score was significantly higher in survey II (36.0 ± 15.2) than in survey I (32.4 ± 13.6) (P < 0.001). The increase in total IAT score indicates that the rate of Internet addiction was significantly higher in 2018 than in 2014. For each subscale of the General Health Questionnaire, social dysfunction scores were significantly lower in survey II than in survey I (P = 0.022). During the weekend, mean total sleep time was 504.8 ± 110.1 min, and the time awake was 08:02 h in survey II; the total sleep time and time awake were significantly longer and later, respectively, in survey II than in survey I (P < 0.001, P = 0.004, respectively). Smartphone use was also significantly higher in survey II than in survey I (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of Internet addiction differed over the 4 years of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The determination of the protective and risk factors associated with Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is among the most important pathways to the development of prevention strategies for IGD. Previous research has shown that familial factors are associated with IGD. In our study, we aimed to assess the parental attitude of adolescents with IGD and investigate psychiatric comorbidity. Methods: We assessed family structure, family relationship, parental attitude (in a bi‐directional assessment), and psychiatric comorbidity in 50 adolescents aged 12–18 years who meet DSM‐5 criteria for IGD in comparison with the control group. Parental attitudes were assessed with the Parental Attitude Research Instrument (filled by the mother) and the Parenting Style Inventory (filled by adolescents). Results: Our findings suggest that according to mothers' opinions there were no significant differences in the subscale scores between the IGD group and the control group. On the other hand, acceptance‐involvement and psychological autonomy subscale scores of the PSI filled by adolescents were found to be significantly lower in the IGD group. Limit setting in areas other than the Internet was significantly lower in the IGD group. High rates of psychiatric comorbidity were also found in adolescents with IGD. Conclusions: Our study identified that adolescents with IGD perceived their parents "cared less about them" and "minded less on their autonomy" compared with the control group. Our survey demonstrated that parental attitudes may be among the risk factors for IGD and the presence of psychiatric comorbidity may affect the management of IGD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has been included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1 and International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11)2 because of its mental health impact. This is the first diagnostic interview study to demonstrate comorbidity within IGD and ADHD, GAD, SAD, and MDD among adults and their characteristic EI. All participants underwent a diagnostic interview for IGD, ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD). [Extracted from the article]

Objective: The number of users of online games is increasing day by day due to their constantly developing features. Users who have access to online games at all times are in a constant interaction with other users. In this regard, it can be suggested the interaction carries human values and does not contain information security threats. As a matter of fact, the virtual world presented in online gaming environments has evolved into an alternative survival area for individuals. On the other hand, the massive time spent in online environments leads to game addiction. This article seeks to determine the relationship between online game addiction (OGA) and the state of providing personal cybersecurity and representing cyber human values of high school students who actively play online games. Methods: In accordance with this purpose, 212 high school students playing online games and using various applications have been surveyed. Results and Conclusion: As a result of this study in which relational screening method was employed, a significant relationship was found between OGA and behaviors that focus on human values of truth and tolerance. In this study, which is aimed to expand existing knowledge, variables identified in this study and providing predictability of OGA can be used to prevent and alleviate gaming addiction in high school students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the psychometric properties of the Finnish version of the Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT‐10), identify the proportion displaying problematic gaming behavior (PGB) among Finnish vocational school students, and characterize the relationships between sociodemographic factors and gaming characteristics predicting PGB in this population. This cross‐sectional study involving 773 students (mean age 17.5 years). Socio‐demographic and gaming behavior characteristics were established using a web‐based survey. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed that the IGDT‐10 test has appropriate psychometric properties. The proportion of students exhibiting PGB based on the DSM‐5 cut‐off threshold was 1.3%. Regression analysis showed that male gender, preference for gaming on a personal computer, gaming time, poor self‐perceived health status, and a preference for the solo and multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBA) game genres related positively to PGB scores. These findings demonstrate the appropriateness of the IGDT‐10 test for the assessment of problematic gaming among adults, and support further research on PGB in Finland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]