This article explores the relationship between reduced loss aversion and edge-centric functional connectivity in patients with internet gaming disorder (IGD).
The study was conducted by a team of researchers from various institutions in China.
Key points:
- Playing internet games is a popular leisure activity, but excessive use can lead to problematic internet use such as IGD.
- Loss aversion is the tendency to strongly prefer avoiding losses over acquiring gains, and it has been linked to decision-making in IGD patients.
- Edge-centric functional connectivity refers to the strength of connections between specific brain regions, and it has been found to differ between IGD patients and healthy controls.
- The study used machine learning methods to test whether loss aversion, overlapping community features of edge-centric functional networks, and effective connectivity could classify two groups (IGD patients vs. healthy controls).
- The results showed that there were no differences in demographic variables between groups, but the severity of IGD symptoms was significantly increased in patients with Parkinsonism-related gait disorders (PIGD).
- The study provides evidence that reduced loss aversion and altered edge-centric functional connectivity may be associated with IGD.
Takeaway conclusion: This study adds to our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying IGD. By identifying specific brain regions and connections that differ between IGD patients and healthy controls, it may be possible to develop more targeted interventions for this condition. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine their clinical relevance.