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Updated: May 30, 2025

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Online Gamers
Published on: November 9, 2019
Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback Modulation of Dopaminergic Midbrain Activity in Young Adults With Elevated Internet
Anqi Gu1, Cheng Lam Chan1, Xiaolei Xu2
1Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Macau, China.
Abstract:
This study provides preliminary evidence for real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback (rt-fMRI NF) as a potential intervention approach for internet gaming disorder (IGD). In a preregistered, randomized, single-blind trial, young individuals with elevated IGD risk were trained to downregulate gaming addiction-related brain activity. We show that, after 2 sessions of neurofeedback training, participants successfully downregulated their brain responses to gaming cues, suggesting the therapeutic potential of rt-fMRI NF for IGD (Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06063642; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06063642).

