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Functional magnetic resonance imaging in adolescent Internet gaming disorder: A systematic review
Mo Zhu1, Mingzhu Liu1, Xingchen Wang2
1College of Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Department of Clinical Psychology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming City, China.
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.
