Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) involves impaired cognitive control linked to reduced social reward and dACC-DLPFC brain circuit dysfunction. Enhancing social reward may restore this circuit and improve symptoms. This study uses psychological interventions and neuroimaging to explore and treat IGD.
Individuals aged between 18 and 35 years, irrespective of gender, having completed a minimum of 9 years of education and capable of effectively cooperating in questionnaire evaluations.
Consent to actively cooperate in the completion of subsequent follow-up assessments.
All are right-handed
The Gaming Disorder Screening (GDSS) Scale score ≥ 47 points;
Severe cognitive functional impairments manifested through a history of head trauma, cerebrovascular diseases, epilepsy, etc., or usage of cognitive enhancement drugs in the past 6 months; an intellectual disability with an IQ score less than 70.
A diagnosis of schizophrenia or other severe mental illnesses as per the DSM-5 criteria.
Abuse or dependence on other psychoactive substances (excluding nicotine) within the past 5 years.
Severe organic diseases that might compromise study participation.
Parallel
Systematic self-help training program for enhancing social reward
BehavioralBased on previous research, this study has made significant innovations and optimizations within the traditional framework of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). We have specifically developed a systematic self-help training module aimed at enhancing social reward, which includes components such as social scenario experience, social skills training, and the improvement of social reward sensitivity. A single-blind randomized controlled trial will be conducted, dividing IGD participants into two groups. The SRI group (Social Reward Intervention group) will receive a psychological self-help training program designed to improve social reward, while the other (Control group) will receive a course introducing general knowledge about Internet Gaming Disorder. Both groups will have identical learning durations and modalities. The self-help training consists of 8 sessions, delivered twice weekly through a blended online and offline learning format, lasting approximately one month.
general knowledge about Internet Gaming Disorder .
BehavioralA single-blind randomized controlled trial is conducted. 30 people, assigned to Control group, was provided with standard educational courses introducing general knowledge about Internet Gaming Disorder. Assessments including standardized scales, behavioral tests, and neuroimaging are conducted once before and once after the intervention. During the course, participants will receive twice-weekly online guidance sessions totaling eight sessions. The entire intervention lasts approximately one month, with follow-up assessments conducted at 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention.
Severity of Gaming Disorder
The severity of gaming disorder was assessed using the Gaming Disorder Screening Scale (GDSS), which consists of 18 Likert-scale items. Each item has four response options (1 = never; 2 = sometimes; 3 = often; 4 = always), with a total score range of 18 to 72. Based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis using ICD-11 as the gold standard, a total score of ≥47 indicates a high risk of gaming disorder
Social Reward
Social reward function was measured using the Social Pleasure subscale of the Multidimensional Anhedonia Scale. This subscale includes 4 items, and participants were first asked to list two current or past social activities that brought them happiness, then to respond to each item assessing aspects such as willingness to engage in these activities and the pleasure experienced during participation.
Executive Function
Executive function was evaluated using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A), comprising 75 items scored on a 3-point Likert scale ranging from "never" to "often." Higher scores on the Global Executive Composite (GEC) reflect greater executive function impairment.
Changes of Behavioral Indicators
Behavioral measures included performance indices from the Social Incentive Delay Task and a Social Reward-modified Stop-Signal Task, including hit rate, reaction time for correct hits, Stop-Signal Delay (SSD), and Stop-Signal Reaction Time (SSRT). A reduced hit rate and prolonged reaction time under social reward cue conditions in the Social Incentive Delay Task indicate impaired social reward processing. In the Stop-Signal Task, a higher SSD and shorter SSRT under reward conditions compared to no-reward groups suggest that social reward enhances cognitive control.
Changes of Electrophysiological Indicators
Event-related potential (ERP) components N200 and P300 elicited during the Stop-Signal Task were analyzed with respect to amplitude and latency. N200 amplitude indexed conflict monitoring, while P300 latency reflected inhibitory control capacity.
Neuroimaging Indicators
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to assess the strength of functional connectivity between the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)
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The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University
Lead sponsor
Bengbu Medical University
Collaborator
