Working memory, executive function and impulsivity in Internet-addictive disorders: a comparison with pathological...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Internet addiction disorder (IAD) and pathological gambling (PG) are recognized behavioral addictions.
• Both conditions are associated with significant cognitive and emotional dysregulation.
• Understanding shared and distinct cognitive deficits is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cognitive similarities and differences between individuals with IAD and PG.
• To compare working memory, executive function, and impulsivity in IAD, PG, and control groups.
• To determine if IAD patients exhibit greater impulsivity than PG patients.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 23 individuals with IAD, 23 with PG, and 23 healthy controls.
• Cognitive assessments included the digit span task, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, go/no-go task, and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11).
• Standardized experimental conditions were maintained for all participants.

Main Results:

• Both IAD and PG groups showed significantly higher error rates (false alarms, total errors, perseverative errors) and BIS-11 scores compared to controls.
• IAD and PG groups exhibited significantly lower performance in working memory tasks (digit span forward/backward, conceptual level responses, categories completed) and hit rates.
• The IAD group displayed higher false alarm rates and BIS-11 scores, and a lower hit rate compared to the PG group.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with IAD and PG share deficits in working memory, executive function, and impulsivity.
• IAD is associated with a greater degree of impulsivity compared to PG.
• These findings highlight overlapping and distinct neurocognitive profiles in behavioral addictions.