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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Online Gamers
Published on: November 9, 2019
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Structural brain changes in young males addicted to video-gaming.
Bahram Mohammadi1, Gregor R Szycik2, Bert Te Wildt3
1Dept. of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; CNS-lab, International Neuroscience Institute, Hannover, Germany.
Brain and Cognition
|January 19, 2020
Summary
Excessive violent video game play significantly alters brain structure, decreasing gray and white matter. These brain changes correlate with increased aggression and internet addiction in players.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Radiology
Background:
- Excessive video gaming is linked to psychological and social issues.
- Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of gaming addiction is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate structural brain changes (gray and white matter) in excessive violent video game players.
- To determine correlations between these brain alterations and psychological measures.
Main Methods:
- Utilized diffusion tensor imaging and 3D T1-weighted MRI scans.
- Employed voxel-based morphometry for gray matter analysis and tract-based spatial statistics for white matter analysis.
- Assessed participants using questionnaires for aggression, empathy, hostility, internet addiction, and well-being.
Main Results:
- Observed widespread gray matter reduction in gamers compared to controls.
- Found decreased fractional anisotropy in white matter tracts (cingulum) in gamers.
- Correlated gray matter density and white matter integrity with playing duration, aggression, hostility, self-esteem, and internet addiction severity.
Conclusions:
- Excessive violent video game engagement induces significant structural changes in both gray and white matter.
- These neuroanatomical alterations are associated with negative psychological outcomes, including heightened aggression and addiction.
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