Jeong Ha Park

Comparative study of the effects of bupropion and escitalopram on Internet gaming disorder

We compared the efficacy of bupropion and escitalopram treatments in Internet gaming disorder (IGD) patients.

Correlations among Social Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Impulsivity, and Game Genre in Patients with Problematic Online Game Playing.

Objective Recent studies of online game addiction have suggested that social interaction and impulsivity are critical factors for the etiology and progress of online game addiction. We hypothesized that the genre of the online game is associated with impulsivity and sociality in individuals with online game addictions. Methods In total, 212 patients with problematic online game playing were divided into four groups by game genre: 1) massive multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG), 2) real-time strategy (RTS), 3) first-person shooter (FPS), and 4) other. Their symptoms and characteristics were assessed using 8 scales and 2 tests to estimate self-esteem, impulsiveness, comorbidity, social interaction status, and cognitive function. Results The mean social anxiety score was highest in the MMORPG group and lowest in the FPS group. The mean self-esteem score was highest in the RTS group. Social anxiety score was positively correlated with Internet addiction score in the MMORPG group, and the self-esteem score was positively correlated with Internet addiction score in the RTS group. Conclusion The genre of online game was not associated with impulsivity, but social anxiety status varied significantly with game genre, and differences in social anxiety were especially pronounced in patients playing the MMORPG (highest social anxiety) and FPS (lowest social anxiety) game genres. In addition, self-esteem was highest in the RTS game genre.

Comparison of QEEG Findings between Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) without Comorbidity and ADHD Comorbid with Internet Gaming Disorder

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is often comorbid with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In this study, we compared the neurobiological differences between ADHD comorbid with IGD (ADHD+IGD group) and ADHD without comorbidity (ADHD-only group) by analyzing quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) findings. We recruited 16 male ADHD+IGD, 15 male ADHD-only adolescent patients, and 15 male healthy controls (HC group). Participants were assessed using Youngs Internet Addiction Scale and ADHD Rating Scale. Relative power and inter- and intra-hemispheric coherences of brain waves were measured using a digital electroencephalography (EEG) system. Compared to the ADHD-only group, the ADHD+IGD group showed lower relative delta power and greater relative beta power in temporal regions. The relative theta power in frontal regions were higher in ADHD-only group compared to HC group. Inter-hemispheric coherence values for the theta band between F3–F4 and C3–C4 electrodes were higher in ADHD-only group compared to HC group. Intra-hemispheric coherence values for the delta, theta, alpha, and beta bands between P4–O2 electrodes and intra-hemispheric coherence values for the theta band between Fz–Cz and T4–T6 electrodes were higher in ADHD+IGD group compared to ADHD-only group. Adolescents who show greater vulnerability to ADHD seem to continuously play Internet games to unconsciously enhance attentional ability. In turn, relative beta power in attention deficit in ADHD+IGD group may become similar to that in HC group. Repetitive activation of brain reward and working memory systems during continuous gaming may result in an increase in neuronal connectivity within the parieto-occipital and temporal regions for the ADHD+IGD group.

Effectiveness of atomoxetine and methylphenidate for problematic online gaming in adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

There is a high prevalence of problematic online gaming in adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In the current study, we compared the effectiveness of atomoxetine (ATM) and methylphenidate (MPH) on problematic online gaming in adolescents with ADHD.

Effects of methylphenidate on body index and physical fitness in Korean children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The side effects of methylphenidate (MPH) on growth remain a controversial concern. This study aimed to investigate the effect of MPH on clinical symptoms, growth, and physical fitness in Korean children.

The comparison of temperament and character between patients with internet gaming disorder and those with alcohol dependence

Abstract Background: The differences in prevalence, natural history, and disease progression between Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and substance use disorder contribute to the controversy over IGD as a diagnosis under substance-related and addictive disorders. Aims: The purpose of the current study was to assess the temperament and character of subjects with IGD in comparison with those with alcohol dependence (AD). Methods: Temperament and character were assessed using Cloningernt temperament and character inventory (TCI). The severity of IGD or AD, depressed mood, anxiety, attention and impulsiveness were assessed using each of the six scales. Results: Among patients with AD, after controlling for other variables, the severity of AD was positively correlated with harm avoidance (HA) score and depressed mood. Among patients with IGD, after controlling for other variables, the severity of IGD was positively correlated with novelty seeking (NS) score, impulsiveness and attention. Conclusions: There were significant differences in temperament and character between the IGD and AD groups as measured using the TCI. These results suggest that IGD and AD need to be categorized separately in a diagnostic classification system and benefit from different treatment approaches.

Internet Gaming Disorder

Internet games are receiving considerable attention due to their multifaceted nature including recreational applications, improved graphics, early clinical applications, and concerns regarding clinical side effects due to excessive play. This chapter reviews the results of functional and structural brain changes, neurophysiological responses, and biogenetic traits in individuals with Internet gaming disorder (IGD). IGD and substance addiction appear to share common activated brain regions including corticostriatal tracts in response to game or substance cues. In addition, neurophysiological responses such as poor error processing as well as association with dopamine and serotonin have been observed in both impulse control disorder and behavioral addictions. However, the use of inconsistent diagnostic criteria across studies, variable demographic characteristics, high rates of psychiatric comorbidity, and uncertain courses of disease require further research.

Changes in Gait Balance and Brain Connectivity in Response to Equine-Assisted Activity and Training in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

OBJECTIVES Equine-assisted activity and training (EAAT) is thought to improve body balance and clinical symptoms in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study hypostheses were that EAAT would improve the clinical symptoms and gait balance in children with ADHD and that these improvements would be associated with increased brain connectivity within the balance circuit. METHODS A total of 12 children with ADHD and 12 age- and sex-matched healthy control children were recruited. EAAT consisted of three training sessions, each 70 minutes long, once a week for 4 weeks. Brain functional connectivity was assessed by using functional magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS After 4 weeks of EAAT, children with ADHD showed improved scores on the Korean ADHD scale (K-ARS), while the K-ARS scores of healthy children did not change. During the 4 weeks, the plantar pressure difference between the left foot and right foot decreased in both the healthy control group and the ADHD group. After 4 weeks of EAAT, healthy controls showed increased brain connectivity from the cerebellum to the left occipital lingual gyrus, fusiform gyrus, right and left thalami, right caudate, right precentral gyrus, and right superior frontal gyrus. However, children with ADHD showed increased brain connectivity from the cerebellum to the right insular cortex, right middle temporal gyrus, left superior temporal gyrus, and right precentral gyrus. In contrast, children with ADHD exhibited decreased brain connectivity from the cerebellum to the left inferior frontal gyrus. CONCLUSION EAAT may improve clinical symptoms, gait balance, and brain connectivity, the last of which controls gait balance, in children with ADHD. However, children with ADHD who have deficits in the fronto-cerebellar tract did not exhibit changes in brain connectivity as extensive as those in healthy children in response to EAAT.