Differential neural reward processes in internet addiction: A systematic review of brain imaging research

IF 3.7 2区医学 Q1 PSYCHOLOGY, CLINICAL

Addictive behaviors Pub Date : 2025-03-26 DOI:10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108346

Wendi Shi , Ying Zhao , Jiaqi Zhou, Jiangboheng Shi

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Abstract

Objectives

This systematic review aims to examine the neural correlates of reward processing in various forms of Internet Addiction (IA) among adults, including generalized IA and specific conditions such as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). The study seeks to identify distinct patterns of altered connectivity and activation in reward-related brain regions across different IA subtypes.

Methods

We analyzed findings from 44 neuroimaging studies, aligning with the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework. The review focused on three key aspects of reward processing: responsiveness, learning, and valuation. Studies included both structural and functional neuroimaging data from adult populations with various forms of IA.

Results

Findings suggest distinct patterns of altered connectivity and activation in reward-related brain regions across different IA subtypes. IGD is associated with widespread abnormalities in both structural and functional connectivity within the reward network, whereas excess social media use primarily affects the amygdala-striatal system. However, methodological limitations, including variability in IA definitions, lack of comparative studies between IA subtypes, and predominance of cross-sectional designs, hinder definitive conclusions.

Conclusion

This review underscores the need for a nuanced approach to IA, recognizing potentially distinct neural mechanisms across subtypes. Such insights could inform the development of targeted interventions and enhance the clinical utility of IA research and treatment. Future research should address current methodological limitations to provide more definitive conclusions about the neurobiological underpinnings of various forms of IA.

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网络成瘾的不同神经奖赏过程：脑成像研究的系统回顾

本系统综述旨在研究成人各种形式的网络成瘾（IA），包括广义IA和特定情况（如网络游戏障碍（IGD））中奖励加工的神经关联。该研究旨在确定不同IA亚型中与奖励相关的大脑区域的连接和激活改变的不同模式。方法根据研究领域标准（RDoC）框架对44项神经影像学研究结果进行分析。这篇综述集中在奖励处理的三个关键方面：反应性、学习和评价。研究包括来自不同形式IA的成年人群的结构和功能神经影像学数据。研究结果表明，在不同IA亚型中，与奖励相关的大脑区域的连接和激活模式发生了不同的改变。IGD与奖励网络中结构和功能连接的普遍异常有关，而过度使用社交媒体主要影响杏仁核-纹状体系统。然而，方法上的局限性，包括IA定义的可变性，IA亚型之间缺乏比较研究，以及横断面设计的优势，阻碍了明确的结论。结论：本综述强调需要对IA进行细致入微的研究，以识别不同亚型之间潜在的不同神经机制。这些见解可以为有针对性的干预措施的发展提供信息，并提高IA研究和治疗的临床效用。未来的研究应解决当前方法的局限性，以提供关于各种形式IA的神经生物学基础的更明确的结论。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Addictive behaviors 医学-药物滥用

CiteScore

8.40

自引率

4.50%

发文量

283

审稿时长

46 days

期刊介绍： Addictive Behaviors is an international peer-reviewed journal publishing high quality human research on addictive behaviors and disorders since 1975. The journal accepts submissions of full-length papers and short communications on substance-related addictions such as the abuse of alcohol, drugs and nicotine, and behavioral addictions involving gambling and technology. We primarily publish behavioral and psychosocial research but our articles span the fields of psychology, sociology, psychiatry, epidemiology, social policy, medicine, pharmacology and neuroscience. While theoretical orientations are diverse, the emphasis of the journal is primarily empirical. That is, sound experimental design combined with valid, reliable assessment and evaluation procedures are a requisite for acceptance. However, innovative and empirically oriented case studies that might encourage new lines of inquiry are accepted as well. Studies that clearly contribute to current knowledge of etiology, prevention, social policy or treatment are given priority. Scholarly commentaries on topical issues, systematic reviews, and mini reviews are encouraged. We especially welcome multimedia papers that incorporate video or audio components to better display methodology or findings. Studies can also be submitted to Addictive Behaviors? companion title, the open access journal Addictive Behaviors Reports, which has a particular interest in ''non-traditional'', innovative and empirically-oriented research such as negative/null data papers, replication studies, case reports on novel treatments, and cross-cultural research.