Functional magnetic resonance imaging in adolescent Internet gaming disorder: A systematic review

IF 3.3 Q1 Psychology

Addictive Behaviors Reports Pub Date : 2025-12-01 Epub Date: 2025-10-17 DOI:10.1016/j.abrep.2025.100637

Mo Zhu , Mingzhu Liu , Xingchen Wang , Chunli Li , Juntao Ba , Xiaojuan Liu , Wen Yang , Shaoyuan Wu , Jingmei Zhong

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), recognized as a non-substance addictive behavior, has been incorporated into the diagnostic frameworks of DSM-5 and ICD-11. Its high prevalence rate (approximately 10 %) and widespread harmful consequences position it as a significant global public health challenge. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) technology offers a powerful tool for elucidating the neural mechanisms underlying addictive behaviors. This is particularly relevant during adolescence, a period characterized by high neurobiological plasticity, enabling a deeper understanding of the neurobiological basis of IGD.

Objective

This review aims to systematically synthesize the application of fMRI techniques in adolescent IGD research. It integrates empirical findings from resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI), task-based fMRI (tb-fMRI), and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) to clarify IGD-associated abnormalities in brain function and structure, and explores their potential for clinical translation.

Methods

Relevant literature published between January 2015 and February 2025 was retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases using keyword searches. Twenty-one studies meeting the inclusion criteria (employing fMRI techniques, utilizing defined IGD diagnostic criteria, focusing on adolescent samples aged 10–20 years) were selected. The risk of bias for included studies was assessed using a standardized tool. The analysis encompassed investigations of resting-state functional connectivity (FC), task-based activation patterns, and white matter microstructure.

Conclusion

Adolescents with IGD exhibit functional dysregulation within the prefrontal-striatal circuit, hyperactivation of the reward system, and white matter microstructural impairments. These neural abnormalities are closely associated with behavioral disinhibition and cognitive deficits. fMRI research provides a neuroimaging foundation for the objective diagnosis and targeted intervention of IGD. Future research necessitates the integration of multimodal data to optimize clinical applications.

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青少年网络游戏障碍的功能磁共振成像：系统回顾

网络游戏障碍（IGD）被认为是一种非物质成瘾行为，已被纳入DSM-5和ICD-11的诊断框架。其高患病率（约10%）和广泛的有害后果使其成为一项重大的全球公共卫生挑战。功能磁共振成像（fMRI）技术为阐明成瘾行为背后的神经机制提供了强有力的工具。这在青春期尤其重要，因为这一时期具有高度的神经生物学可塑性，可以更深入地了解IGD的神经生物学基础。目的系统综述功能磁共振成像技术在青少年IGD研究中的应用。该研究整合了静息状态功能磁共振成像（rs-fMRI）、任务型功能磁共振成像（tb-fMRI）和弥散张量成像（DTI）的实证研究结果，以阐明igd相关的脑功能和结构异常，并探索其临床转化的潜力。方法采用关键词检索方法从PubMed、Web of Science和Science Direct数据库中检索2015年1月~ 2025年2月发表的相关文献。21项符合纳入标准的研究（采用功能磁共振成像技术，利用定义的IGD诊断标准，重点关注10-20岁的青少年样本）被选中。使用标准化工具评估纳入研究的偏倚风险。分析包括静息状态功能连接（FC）、基于任务的激活模式和白质微观结构的调查。结论青少年IGD表现为前额叶-纹状体回路功能失调，奖励系统过度激活，白质微结构损伤。这些神经异常与行为去抑制和认知缺陷密切相关。fMRI研究为IGD的客观诊断和针对性干预提供了神经影像学基础。未来的研究需要整合多模式数据来优化临床应用。

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来源期刊

Addictive Behaviors Reports Medicine-Psychiatry and Mental Health

CiteScore

6.80

自引率

0.00%

发文量

审稿时长

71 days

期刊介绍： Addictive Behaviors Reports is an open-access and peer reviewed online-only journal offering an interdisciplinary forum for the publication of research in addictive behaviors. The journal accepts submissions that are scientifically sound on all forms of addictive behavior (alcohol, drugs, gambling, Internet, nicotine and technology) with a primary focus on behavioral and psychosocial research. 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. We are particularly interested 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. Studies that might encourage new lines of inquiry as well as scholarly commentaries on topical issues, systematic reviews, and mini reviews are also very much encouraged. We also welcome multimedia submissions that incorporate video or audio components to better display methodology or findings.