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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
06:01
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Online Gamers
Published on: November 9, 2019
Intrinsic reward sensitivity drives internet gaming disorder through striatal-thalamic hyper-synchronization
Meng-Hui Li1, An-Hang Jiang2, Xue-Feng Xu3
1School of Psychology, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650500, PR China.
Journal of Psychiatric Research
|June 23, 2026
Summary
Internet gaming disorder (IGD) involves altered brain reward processing, showing hyper-connectivity in the striatum-thalamus during intrinsic reward tasks. This neurobiological basis may explain compulsive gaming behaviors and inform targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Research
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a behavioral addiction with impaired control over gaming.
- The neural mechanisms of reward processing in IGD are not well understood.
- Understanding reward system alterations is crucial for addiction research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural mechanisms underlying intrinsic and extrinsic reward processing in individuals with IGD.
- To compare brain activity and connectivity between individuals with IGD and recreational gamers.
- To explore the relationship between neural responses, craving, and gaming behavior.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to assess brain activity.
- A cue-craving task involving intrinsic, extrinsic, neutral, and gaming cues was administered.
- Behavioral data (reaction time, craving) and neural connectivity were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Individuals with IGD showed faster responses to gaming cues and stronger cravings.
- Altered evaluations of intrinsic rewards were observed in the IGD group.
- Hyper-synchronization in striatum-thalamus connectivity during intrinsic reward processing was found in IGD.
- Enhanced connectivity between the default mode network and reward network under gaming cues was observed in IGD.
Conclusions:
- IGD is associated with aberrant neural reward processing, including striatal-thalamic hyper-synchronization.
- These neural alterations may underlie the hijacking of intrinsic reward mechanisms in IGD.
- Findings support a neurobiological model of IGD, aiding targeted intervention development.
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