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Annunzi E, Cannito L, Bellia F, Mercante F, Vismara M, Benatti B, Di Domenico A, Palumbo R, Adriani W, Dell'Osso B, D'Addario C. Mild internet use is associated with epigenetic alterations of key neurotransmission genes in salivary DNA of young university students. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22192. [PMID: 38092954 PMCID: PMC10719329 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49492-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The potentially problematic use of the Internet is a growing concern worldwide, which causes and consequences are not completely understood yet. The neurobiology of Internet addiction (IA) has attracted much attention in scientific research, which is now focusing on identifying measurable biological markers. Aim of this study was to investigate epigenetic and genetic regulation of oxytocin receptor (OXTR), dopamine transporter (DAT1) and serotonin transporter (SERT) genes using DNA obtained from saliva samples of young university students: the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was administered to evaluate the potential existence and intensity of IA. Significant changes in DNA methylation levels at OXTR, DAT1 and SERT genes were observed in the 30 < IAT < 49 group (mild-risk internet users) compared to the IAT < 29 subjects (complete control of internet use) and IAT > 50 subjects (considered as moderately addicted). Moreover, epigenetic markers were significantly correlated, either directly (for OXTR and DAT1) or inversely (OXTR and DAT1 versus SERT), to the psychometric properties. Our data confirmed the association of OXTR, DAT1 and SERT genes in processes related to behavioural addictions and might be of relevance to suggest possible biological predictors of altered behaviours and the eventual vulnerability to develop an IA. Different other genetic pathways have been suggested to play a role in IA and research is ongoing to better define them, in order to help in the early diagnosis as well as in the development of new potential treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Annunzi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Loreta Cannito
- Department of Humanities, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Fabio Bellia
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100, Teramo, Italy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Francesca Mercante
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Matteo Vismara
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", University of Milan, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, 20019, Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice Benatti
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", University of Milan, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, 20019, Milan, Italy
- "Aldo Ravelli" Center for Nanotechnology and Neurostimulation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Di Domenico
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Riccardo Palumbo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Walter Adriani
- Center for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", University of Milan, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, 20019, Milan, Italy
- "Aldo Ravelli" Center for Nanotechnology and Neurostimulation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio D'Addario
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100, Teramo, Italy.
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, 10316, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Tereshchenko SY. Neurobiological risk factors for problematic social media use as a specific form of Internet addiction: A narrative review. World J Psychiatry 2023; 13:160-173. [PMID: 37303928 PMCID: PMC10251362 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v13.i5.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Problematic social media use (PSMU) is a behavioral addiction, a specific form of problematic Internet use associated with the uncontrolled use of social networks. It is typical mostly for modern adolescents and young adults, which are the first generations fully grown up in the era of total digitalization of society. The modern biopsychosocial model of the formation of behavioral addictions, postulating the impact of a large number of biological, psychological, and social factors on addictive behavior formation, may be quite applicable to PSMU. In this narrative review, we discussed neurobiological risk factors for Internet addiction with a focus on current evidence on the association between PSMU and structural/ functional characteristics of the brain and autonomic nervous system, neurochemical correlations, and genetic features. A review of the literature shows that the vast majority of the mentioned neurobiological studies were focused on computer games addiction and generalized Internet addiction (without taking into account the consumed content). Even though a certain number of neuroimaging studies have been conducted for PSMU, there is practically no research on neuropeptide and genetic associations for PSMU to date. This fact points to the extremely high relevance of such studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Yu Tereshchenko
- Department of Child's Physical and Mental Health, Federal Research Center “Krasnoyarsk Science Center of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Research Institute of Medical Problems of the North, Krasnoyarsk 660022, Russia
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Király O, Koncz P, Griffiths MD, Demetrovics Z. Gaming disorder: A summary of its characteristics and aetiology. Compr Psychiatry 2023; 122:152376. [PMID: 36764098 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2023.152376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence, development, and maintenance of gaming disorder (GD) is the result of an interplay between gaming-related factors, individual factors, and environmental factors. None of these alone are sufficient to cause a disordered state, but it is the interactive co-occurrence of all these factors, which in some cases leads to GD. The goal of the present paper is to discuss in detail these three factors based on relevant and recent findings of the literature. Among gaming-related factors, we discuss online vs. offline videogames, the role of game genres, structural characteristics, game design elements, as well as some important monetization techniques. Among individual factors demographic risk factors, personality traits, motivational factors, comorbid psychopathology, genetic predisposition, and neurobiological processes are considered. Finally, among environmental factors we discuss family factors, early life experiences, the role of peers and school-related factors, as well as the broader context of culture including the popularity of esports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orsolya Király
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Patrik Koncz
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming at the University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar
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4
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A review of the genetic basis of problematic Internet use. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2022.101149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Rojas-Jara C, Polanco-Carrasco R, Navarro-Castillo R, Faúndez-Castillo F, Chamorro-Gallardo M. “Game (not) Over”: A Systematic Review of Video Game Disorder in Adolescents. REVISTA COLOMBIANA DE PSICOLOGÍA 2022. [DOI: 10.15446/rcp.v31n2.90741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to characterize video game use disorder in adolescents, identifying the particularities of those who present it, its effects at the brain level, related factors, and existing measurement instruments. A systematic review of the scientific publications available in Scopus was carried out, between the period 2014-2018 on video game use disorder in adolescents. Adolescents with this disorder are characterized by being mostly men, spending more time daily and weekly playing than adolescents without this disorder, showing diverse symptoms in the behavioral, affective, and cognitive areas. At brain level, it is referred that in this disorder there is an increase and decrease in the activation of specific areas of the brain. Likewise, the presence of some psychological disorder and impulsivity are considered factors that increase the risk of suffering from it. However, there are protective factors as school commitment and parental supervision, among others.
How to cite: Rojas-Jara, C., Polanco-Carrasco, R., Navarro-Castillo, R., Faúndez-Castillo, F., & Chamorro-Gallardo, M. (2022). “Game (not) Over”: A Systematic Review of Video Game Disorder in Adolescents. Revista Colombiana de Psicología, 31(2), 45-64. https://doi.org/10.15446/rcp.v31n2.90741
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Carpita B, Muti D, Nardi B, Benedetti F, Cappelli A, Cremone IM, Carmassi C, Dell’Osso L. Biochemical Correlates of Video Game Use: From Physiology to Pathology. A Narrative Review. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:775. [PMID: 34440519 PMCID: PMC8401252 DOI: 10.3390/life11080775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few decades, video game playing progressively became a widespread activity for many people, in childhood as well in adulthood. An increasing amount of literature has focused on pathological and non-pathological correlates of video game playing, with specific attention towards Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). While many neurobiological studies in this field were based on neuroimaging, highlighting structural and functional brain changes among video game users, only a limited number of studies investigated the presence of biochemical correlates of video gaming. The present work aims to summarize and review the available literature about biochemical changes linked to video game use in IGD patients as well as non-pathological users, and the differences in between. Results may shed light on risks and benefits of video games, providing directions for further research on IGD treatment and, on other hand, on the potential role of video games in therapeutic or preventive protocols for specific conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.N.); (F.B.); (A.C.); (I.M.C.); (C.C.); (L.D.)
| | - Dario Muti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.N.); (F.B.); (A.C.); (I.M.C.); (C.C.); (L.D.)
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Popescu A, Marian M, Drăgoi AM, Costea RV. Understanding the genetics and neurobiological pathways behind addiction (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:544. [PMID: 33815617 PMCID: PMC8014976 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothesis issued by modern medicine states that many diseases known to humans are genetically determined, influenced or not by environmental factors, which is applicable to most psychiatric disorders as well. This article focuses on two pending questions regarding addiction: Why do some individuals become addicted while others do not? along with Is it a learned behavior or is it genetically predefined? Recent data suggest that addiction is more than repeated exposure, it is the synchronicity between intrinsic factors (genotype, sex, age, preexisting addictive disorder, or other mental illness), extrinsic factors (childhood, level of education, socioeconomic status, social support, entourage, drug availability) and the nature of the addictive agent (pharmacokinetics, path of administration, psychoactive properties). The dopamine-mesolimbic motivation-reward-reinforcement cycle remains the most coherent physiological theory in addiction. While the common property of addictive substances is that they are dopamine-agonists, each class has individual mechanisms, pharmacokinetics and psychoactive potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Popescu
- Department of Psychiatry, 'Prof. Dr. Alex. Obregia' Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Marian
- Department of Psychiatry, 'Prof. Dr. Alex. Obregia' Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Miruna Drăgoi
- Department of Psychiatry, 'Prof. Dr. Alex. Obregia' Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Radu-Virgil Costea
- Department of General Surgery, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
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Abstract
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and several other obsessive-compulsive related disorders (OCRDs) including hoarding disorder, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), skin picking disorder, trichotillomania and the newly arising public health conditions of online gaming and gambling disorders, under the umbrella of Problematic Usage of the Internet (PUI), not only share some common phenotypes, but there is evidence to suggest share some genetic risk factors. The simple fact that these disorders segregate within families points to this notion. However, the current data are still scarce. This chapter focuses on identifying the shared genetic factors. To address this question, a systematic review of the literature investigating genetic findings in OCD and OCRDs including PUI was conducted, with a focus on their genetic similarities. Greater knowledge of the specific genetic risks shared among OCRDs would be expected to open new avenues in the understanding of the biological mechanisms causing the development of these phenotypes, as well as provide opportunities to develop new animal and cellular models testing new therapy avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edna Grünblatt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Sindermann C, Sariyska R, Elhai JD, Montag C. Molecular genetics of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides involved in Internet use disorders including first insights on a potential role of hypothalamus' oxytocin hormone. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 182:389-400. [PMID: 34266607 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-819973-2.00026-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This chapter covers the phenomenon of Internet use disorders (IUDs) and putative associations with different neurotransmitter and neuropeptide systems. Genes coding for such messengers can be seen as an important starting point in the complicated quest to understand human behavior including new phenomena such as IUDs. Therefore, a special focus of this chapter will lie on individual differences in molecular genetic underpinnings of neurotransmitter and neuropeptide systems and their associations with individual differences in tendencies towards IUDs. By shedding light on these associations, putative predisposing molecular genetic factors for the emergence and maintenance of IUDs can be carved out. Therefore, first an introduction to IUDs and a model that can guide research on putative associations of IUDs with different specific neurotransmitters and neuropeptides will be presented. Subsequently, twin studies on the heritability of IUDs are reviewed. Finally, studies on differences in molecular genetic predispositions and their associations with differences in IUDs will be presented and discussed, including targets related to the dopaminergic and serotonergic system as well as the hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin. The chapter closes with a conclusion about what is already known and what needs to be investigated in future studies to gain further insights into putative associations between molecular genetic markers and IUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rayna Sariyska
- Department of Molecular Psychology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jon D Elhai
- Departments of Psychology and of Psychiatry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Christian Montag
- Department of Molecular Psychology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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Cerniglia L, Cimino S, Marzilli E, Pascale E, Tambelli R. Associations Among Internet Addiction, Genetic Polymorphisms, Family Functioning, and Psychopathological Risk: Cross-Sectional Exploratory Study. JMIR Ment Health 2020; 7:e17341. [PMID: 33361057 PMCID: PMC7790611 DOI: 10.2196/17341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND International research has emphasized that youths are at higher risk for the onset of internet addiction (IA), but studies investigating biological, psychological, and social factors associated with this condition are limited. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the possible association between IA and genetic polymorphisms in monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), serotonin-transporter (5-HTTPR), dopamine receptor (DRD4), and dopamine transporter (DAT1) genes by considering the role played by the perception of young adults in their family functioning and their depression, anxiety, and avoidant personality problems. METHODS In a sample of 104 male and female young adults aged between 19 and 23 years (mean age 21.87, SD 2.29 years) recruited from universities in the central southern part of Italy, we addressed the presence of IA using the Young criteria of the IA test. Moreover, the perception of young adults of their family functioning and their psychopathological symptoms were assessed through the Family Assessment Device (FAD) and the Adult Self-Report, respectively. RESULTS We found no significant association between IA and any genetic polymorphisms, neither among males or females. Young adults with IA reported significantly higher scores in the subscale of FAD affective responsiveness (AR; P=.01) and in depressive problems (P=.02), anxiety problems (P=.009), and avoidant personality problems (P=.003) than those in the control group. Results of mediation analyses showed a mediation role played by depressive symptoms (B=0.99; 95% CI 0.22 to 1.97) and avoidant personality problems (B=1.09; 95% CI 0.32 to 2.05) of young adults on the relationship between the FAD, AR, and IA. Finally, this relationship was moderated by the genotype of the 5-HTTLPR (P<.001), DAT1 (P<.001), and MAO-A (P<.001) genes in young adults. CONCLUSIONS This exploratory study supports the recent evidence on the mutual relationship among biological, individual, and social risk factors associated with IA in young adulthood. Our findings may have important clinical implications for the development of prevention and treatment programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Cerniglia
- International Telematic University Uninettuno, Rome, Italy
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Brand M, Rumpf HJ, King DL, Potenza MN, Wegmann E. Clarifying terminologies in research on gaming disorder and other addictive behaviors: distinctions between core symptoms and underlying psychological processes. Curr Opin Psychol 2020; 36:49-54. [PMID: 32480020 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
There exists ongoing debate regarding the clinical validity of single symptoms of and diagnostic criteria for gaming disorder. In particular, the potential symptom of gaming disorder that addresses coping with and escaping from negative feelings has received much attention and remains a focus of intensive discussion. We argue that it is important to consider differences or distinguish between, on the one hand, symptoms of and criteria for a disorder due to addictive behaviors, such as gaming disorder, versus, on the other hand, motivations, mechanisms, and psychological processes that may be involved in promoting addictive behaviors and that may explain symptom severity and course of the addictive disorder including potential treatment responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Brand
- General Psychology: Cognition and Center for Behavioral Addiction Research (CeBAR), University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany; Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Essen, Germany.
| | - Hans-Jürgen Rumpf
- University of Lübeck, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Research Group S:TEP (Substance Use and Related Disorders: Treatment, Epidemiology, and Prevention), Germany
| | - Daniel L King
- College of Education, Psychology, & Social Work, Flinders University, Australia
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Child Study, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA; Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, USA; Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, USA
| | - Elisa Wegmann
- General Psychology: Cognition and Center for Behavioral Addiction Research (CeBAR), University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
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