Functional Imaging of Internet Gaming Disorder

Abstract

(from the chapter) The present chapter reviews functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and Internet addiction (IA). The review includes reports of the use of fMRI, including arterial spin-labeled fMRI for analyzing task-related performance, resting functional connectivity, and effective connectivity. However, any conclusions regarding the mechanisms of IGD or IA would be premature due to the many limitations of previous studies. Future work should consider the diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5 when recruiting subjects with IGD. Further fMRI studies with adequate sample sizes of at least 20 participants, reasonable hypotheses, effective designs, and precise data analyses by integrated research teams are needed for further elucidation of the mechanisms of IGD and IA. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved)