Emotional Association Bias Modification Training in Individuals With IGD

Efficacy and Mechanisms Underlying Emotional Association Bias Modification in Individuals With IGD

This project aims to investigate (1) the efficacy of emotional association bias modification (EABM) training on internet gaming disorder (IGD); (2) the underlying neural mechanisms of such efficacy

As with the efficacy, the experiment aims to test whether EABM training will reduce positive emotional association bias towards gaming, compulsive choice of gaming pictures, cue-induced craving for gaming, the severity of gaming behaviors in individuals with IGD.

As with the underlying neural mechanisms, the experiment aims to test whether EABM training will alter the activation of reward circuits in response to gaming pictures, the activation of executive control network (mainly refering to the prefrontal cortex) regarding regulation ability for craving and response inhibition ability.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. the 5th edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5 ) recommended diagnosis of Internet gaming disorder :

   the scores of the 9 items of DSM-5 recommended diagnosis for Internet gaming disorder ≥ 5.

   engagement in popular Internet games (e.g. Arena of Valor, League of Legends and Player Unknown's Battle Grounds) for over 20 hours per week for a minimum of 12 months.

2. the scores of the Young-Internet addiction Test ≥ 50

Exclusion Criteria:

1. current or history of use of illegal substances and other addictions;
2. current or history of psychiatric or neurological illness;
3. current use of psychotropic medications.