gaming addiction/gambling Flashcards
gaming
Weinstein et al., 2020-
Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is associated with reward deficiency, reduced impulse control mechanisms, impaired decision making, and impulsivity
IGD shares neurobiological alterations that seen in other addictions, including:
(i) activation in brain regions associated with reward (seen in cue exposure and craving studies) and neurotransmitter systems studies including dopamine-mediated reward mechanisms;
(ii) reduced activity in impulse control areas and impaired decision making
(iii) reduced functional connectivity in brain networks that are involved in cognitive control, executive function, motivation, and reward
Similar to drug-abuse research, neuroimaging studies of reward have shown lower dopamine-transporter density and reduced occupancy of dopamine D2 receptors in the striatum (inhibit activity)
This evidence is further supported by brain-activation studies showing that video game-playing stimuli activate the brain similarly to activation by drug cues
Zhou et al., 2021
Biology of gambling
Neuroimaging studies of problem gamblers have indicated diminished Ventral striatum and ventromedial pre frontal cortex activity during rewarding events- 1. Diminished Activity in the Ventral Striatum & Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex (vmPFC)
Ventral Striatum → Plays a major role in reward processing and motivation.
vmPFC → Involved in decision-making, risk evaluation, and emotion regulation.
Reduced activity in these areas means that problem gamblers experience a weaker response to both wins and losses.
This “blunted” response suggests that they may not feel as much satisfaction from winning or as much disappointment from losing, which could lead them to chase losses or seek bigger bets for stimulation. (De Reiter et al., 2009)
gambling 2
- Differences in Limbic & Frontostriatal Regions (Including the Amygdala)- Potenza et al.. 2019
Limbic system (e.g., Amygdala) → Controls emotions, stress responses, and impulsivity.
Frontostriatal regions → Connect the frontal cortex (decision-making, self-control) to the striatum (reward processing).
Problem gamblers show dysregulation in these areas, which affects:
Stress response → They may gamble more as a way to cope.
Impulsive decision-making → More likely to make high-risk bets.
Loss chasing → Trying to recover lost money irrationally.
Excitement & reward sensitivity → A heightened need for stimulation, leading to risky gambling behaviors.
so repeated gambling alters brain function, affecting decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation.
gambling - disease model
Volkow et al., 2006- neurobiological similarities between gambling addiction and substance use disorders, emphasizing changes in brain regions like the ventral striatum and prefrontal cortex, which are involved in reward processing and impulse control.
Potenza et al., 2007- This article discusses the brain’s reward system in relation to gambling addiction, showing how impaired dopamine and serotonin systems in the ventral striatum contribute to compulsive gambling behaviors. It aligns with the disease model by showing that these neurobiological factors make it harder for individuals to control their gambling.
Linnet et al., 2011- This paper examines how neurocognitive impairments in gambling addiction (such as difficulty with impulse control and decision-making) are indicative of underlying brain changes, supporting the disease model that gambling addiction has a neurological basis.
dopamine transporter function affect the brain’s reward system in addiction. The findings suggest that dopamine dysregulation, which is observed in gambling addiction, may contribute to the compulsive nature of the disorder.
genetics in gambling
Sluske et al., 2006- This study discusses the genetic components of gambling addiction, showing that certain individuals may be predisposed to the disorder. The research points to a potential genetic vulnerability to addictive behaviors, similar to what we see in substance use disorders.
gambling paragraph
Additionally, while the initial choice to engage in substance use may be voluntary, neuroscience research suggests that repeated substance use alters brain function, reducing self-control over time (Volkow et al., 2016). For example For example, dopamine dysregulation plays a key role, as gambling stimulates the brain’s reward system similarly to substances, leading to an overactive release of dopamine (Zald & Treadway, 2017). Over time, this desensitization makes individuals chase bigger risks for the same level of excitement while impairing decision-making and impulse control (Potenza, 2018). This neurological shift makes it increasingly difficult to stop gambling, even in the face of severe financial and personal consequences. Since these brain changes reduce an individual’s ability to make rational choices, gambling addiction is better understood as a disease rather than a personal failing, highlighting the need for treatment and intervention rather than blame (Grant et al., 2019).
