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REVIEW

Neurobiological understanding of gaming disorder: A narrative review

Mi Jung Rho1*
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1 College of Health Science, Dankook University, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea
INNOSC Theranostics and Pharmacological Sciences, 3326 https://doi.org/10.36922/itps.3326
Submitted: 31 March 2024 | Accepted: 24 July 2024 | Published: 15 October 2024
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behavioral Addictions: From Bench to Bedside)
© 2024 by the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution -Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC-by the license) ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ )
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Abstract

Gaming disorder (GD) is a mental disorder characterized by impaired control over gaming behaviors and the continuation of gaming despite negative consequences, resulting in functional impairments in important areas of life. Based on a growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating its neurobiological similarities to substance use disorders, GD is listed in the latest 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases as a behavioral addiction. Therefore, this review aims to understand the neurobiological underpinnings of GD by reviewing current literature on structural and functional changes in the brain. It is suggested that prolonged and excessive gaming may lead to alterations in the structure or function of the brain reward circuit and fronto-striatal circuit, affecting both reward processing and cognitive control. Changes in brain areas involved in executive function have been observed, indicating that GD is associated with reduced response inhibition and impaired decision-making. Furthermore, brain regions associated with craving exhibit heightened activity in response to gaming stimuli. This review highlights the significance of conducting further research to uncover the underlying mechanisms of GD and to develop effective interventions for its prevention and treatment.

Keywords
Internet gaming disorders
Neurobiology
Neuroimaging
Event-related potentials
Electroencephalography
Funding
None.
Conflict of interest
The author declares that she has no competing interests.
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