Approach bias modification reduces automatic gaming tendencies and enhances brain synchronization in internet gaming disorder

• Published in: Journal of psychiatric research Vol. 186; pp. 263 - 272
• Main Authors: Wei, Meiting, Luo, Xin, Fu, Jiejie, Dong, Yi-Sheng, Liu, Jiang, Li, Xuzhou, Dong, Guang-Heng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2025
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Approach bias modification; Approach-avoidance task; Behavior Therapy - methods; Brain - diagnostic imaging; Brain - physiopathology; Cerebral Cortex - diagnostic imaging; Cerebral Cortex - physiopathology; Connectome; Cortical Synchronization - physiology; Female; Humans; Inter-subject correlation; Internet Addiction Disorder - diagnostic imaging; Internet Addiction Disorder - physiopathology; Internet Addiction Disorder - rehabilitation; Internet Addiction Disorder - therapy; Internet gaming disorder; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Video Games; Young Adult; Approach-avoidance task; Approach bias modification; Internet gaming disorder; Inter-subject correlation

Automatic approaches to gaming-related cues are key factors in internet gaming disorder (IGD). Approach bias modification (ApBM) has been shown to reduce addictive behaviors, but its neurobiological effects remain poorly understood. This study examined changes in brain activities in the ‘natural’ st...