Mindfulness Meditation Offers Relief for Internet Gaming Disorder: A New Study
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging reveals that mindfulness meditation can significantly reduce gaming cravings in individuals diagnosed with internet gaming disorder. This reduction is achieved by altering brain connectivity patterns, particularly between the default mode network and brain regions associated with executive control. The findings highlight mindfulness meditation as a promising intervention for addressing both the psychological symptoms and the underlying neural mechanisms of gaming addiction.
Understanding Internet Gaming Disorder
Internet gaming disorder, characterised by excessive gaming that disrupts daily life, has become a global concern. Those affected often face mental health challenges, including depression and social isolation. While traditional treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy and pharmacological approaches have shown some effectiveness, their results have been inconsistent. Furthermore, the neural mechanisms underlying these interventions remain poorly understood.
Research has linked internet gaming disorder to abnormal functional connectivity in brain regions associated with reward processing, executive control, and the default mode network. These abnormalities impair cognitive control, reinforcing addictive behaviours. Given the limitations of existing treatments, researchers in China explored whether mindfulness meditation could address both the neural and psychological aspects of gaming addiction.
The Study Design
The study recruited 80 individuals diagnosed with internet gaming disorder through advertisements and diagnostic screenings. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a mindfulness meditation group or a control group practicing progressive muscle relaxation. Both groups participated in eight training sessions over four weeks, conducted by certified trainers.
The mindfulness meditation sessions emphasised present-moment awareness and nonjudgmental observation, while the progressive muscle relaxation sessions focused on systematic relaxation of different muscle groups.
Before and after the intervention, participants underwent assessments measuring gaming addiction severity, cravings, and mindfulness levels. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans were conducted to examine changes in brain connectivity, focusing on regions such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the left precuneus, and the posterior cingulate cortex—key nodes in the executive control and default mode networks.
Key Findings
The study found that mindfulness meditation led to significant reductions in gaming cravings and the severity of internet gaming disorder compared to the control group. Participants practising mindfulness also showed improved mindfulness levels, which correlated with reduced addiction symptoms. While the control group exhibited slight improvements, these were likely attributable to a placebo effect.
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Enhanced Executive Control
Participants in the mindfulness meditation group showed increased connectivity between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and regions involved in decision-making and impulse control, such as the orbitofrontal cortex and superior frontal gyrus. This strengthened connectivity improved participants’ ability to regulate cravings and resist gaming cues. -
Integration of Brain Networks
Mindfulness meditation enhanced connectivity within the executive control network, which includes the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and orbitofrontal cortex. This network is crucial for impulse control and decision-making. Additionally, stronger connections were observed between the executive control network and the default mode network, suggesting that mindfulness fosters better integration between self-awareness and impulse management. -
Reduced Sensitivity to Gaming Rewards
The study also noted strengthened connectivity between the executive control network and reward-related regions, such as the parahippocampal gyrus. This change likely dampens the brain’s sensitivity to gaming-related rewards, helping participants resist cravings and adopt healthier behaviours. -
Neurotransmitter Regulation
Increased brain connectivity in specific areas was associated with changes in dopamine and serotonin receptor activity. As these neurotransmitters are central to reward processing and mood regulation, mindfulness meditation may help stabilise neurochemical imbalances commonly observed in addictive behaviours.
Study Limitations and Future Directions
While the study offers compelling evidence of mindfulness meditation's benefits for internet gaming disorder, some limitations remain:
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Focus on Resting-State Connectivity
The research focused on resting-state brain connectivity, which does not reveal the direction of changes in activity. Future studies could employ effective connectivity analyses to identify causal relationships between brain regions. -
Potential Placebo Effect
The control group practising progressive muscle relaxation showed slight improvements, suggesting a potential placebo effect. Adding additional control groups in future research could help isolate the specific effects of mindfulness meditation. -
Neurochemical Insights
Although the study correlated brain connectivity changes with neurotransmitter activity, further research is needed to understand these relationships in greater depth.
Conclusion
This study underscores the potential of mindfulness meditation as an effective intervention for managing internet gaming disorder. By addressing both the psychological symptoms and the neural mechanisms underlying addiction, mindfulness offers a holistic approach to tackling this growing concern. Further research could solidify these findings and refine treatment strategies, offering hope to those struggling with gaming addiction.