Neuropsychological Constructs in Gaming Disorders: a Systematic Review

Abstract

With the increasing popularity of video games, a subset of players develop addiction-like behaviours, the frequency of severity thereof warranting the DSM-5 to include Internet gaming disorder (IGD) as a condition for further study. This systematic review examines neurocognitive features of individuals meeting IGD criteria while drawing parallels to other addictive behaviours, such as gambling disorder. This paper examines original studies comparing gaming disorder or gaming groups against control groups on neurocognitive paradigms. Articles were retrieved from PubMed and PsycInfo online databases, in accordance with PRISMA standards. The literature search showed a high number of studies examining inhibitory control in IGD populations. Participants with IGD demonstrated impaired inhibitory control and impulsivity, indicated by more errors of while performing neurocognitive tasks, particularly when distractors were salient game-related cues. IGD was also associated with higher reward sensitivity and lower loss sensitivity, leading to overall riskier decision-making. Changes in neurocognitive features in IGD are similar to substance use disorders and gambling disorder, suggesting the pathology may develop by similar mechanisms. Counterintuitively, the improved performance in non-IGD gaming populations in some studies suggests that video game experience itself, distinct from addiction towards games, may improve performance in error processing and reaction times. Future research incorporating IGD comorbidities, longitudinal designs to establish causality, and standard diagnostic cutoffs are needed.