Event-related brain response to visual cues in individuals with Internet gaming disorder: relevance to attentional bias and decision-making

This study investigated attentional bias toward game-related cues in Internet gaming disorder (IGD) using electrophysiological markers of late positive potential (LPP) and identifying the sources of LPP. The association between LPP and decision-making ability was also investigated. IGD (n=40) and healthy control (HC; n=39) participants viewed game-related and neutral pictures while ERPs were recorded. Higher LPP amplitudes were found for game-related cues in the IGD group. sLORETA showed that the IGD group was more active in the superior and middle temporal gyri (involved in social perception) and less active in the frontal area. Individuals with IGD showed decision-making deficits. In the HC group, lower LPP to game-related stimuli correlated with better decision-making, but not in the IGD group. Enhanced LPP amplitudes are associated with emotional arousal to gaming cues and decision-making deficits in IGD. Source activities suggest that patients with IGD perceive game-related cues as social stimuli. LPP can be used as a neurophysiological marker of IGD.

Bo-Mi Kim, Jiyoon Lee, A. Ruem Choi, Sun Ju Chung, Minkyung Park, Ja Wook Koo, Ung Gu Kang, Jung-Seok Choi