Independent component analysis for internet gaming disorder

Abstract

Introduction: There is a growing interest in the study of the neurobiological correlates of internet gaming disorder (IGD), and new techniques are beginning to be implemented for this purpose, such as independent component analysis (ICA).

Aims: The present narrative review aimed to explore the studies that had used ICA for the study of the different brain networks possibly associated with IGD.

Methods: We specifically focussed on three of the main networks: default-mode network, executive-control and salience networks.

Results: Most studies have identified alterations in these three brain networks in individuals with IGD, which may be involved in the development and maintenance of this disorder.

Conclusion: More studies are needed to deepen an understanding of the specific role of each in the symptomatology and treatment of IGD.

Keywords:

• Internet gaming disorder
• independent component analysis
• fMRI
• default-mode network
• executive-control network
• salience network

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest with the topic of this work. Marc N. Potenza has consulted for and advised Opiant Pharmaceuticals, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals, Baria-Tek, AXA, Game Day Data and the Addiction Policy Forum; has been involved in a patent application with Yale University and Novartis; has received research support from the Mohegan Sun Casino and Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling; has participated in surveys, mailings or telephone con-sultations related to drug addiction, impulse control disorders or other health topics; and has consulted for law offices and gambling entities on issues related to impulse control or addictive disorders. Fernando Fernández-Aranda and Susana Jiménez-Murcia received consultancy honoraria from Novo Nordisk, and Fernando Fernández-Aranda editorial honoraria as EIC from Wiley. No potential conflict of interest was reported by the rest of the authors.

Additional information

Funding

CERCA Programme / Generalitat de Catalunya gave institutional support. This work was additionally supported by two grants from the Delegación del Gobierno para el Plan Nacional sobre Drogas (2019I47 and 2021I031), and Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) (P I20/00132) and cofunded by FEDER funds/European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), a way to build Europe. CIBERobn is an initiative of ISCIII. Dr. Gemma Mestre-Bach was supported by a postdoctoral grant of FUNCIVA and by the 2022–2023 Institute for Culture and Society (ICS) challenge on “Youth, relationships and psychological well-being” of the University of Navarra. Roser Granero was supported by The Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA-2021 Academia Program). Dr. Marc N. Potenza's involvement was supported by the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling and by the NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) grant RF1 MH128614.