Positive psychological intervention for anxiety, depression and coping in subjects addicted to online games

BACKGROUND Addiction to online games is not uncommon.The patients usually refuse to take medications and present with affective symptoms such as anxiety,depression and negative coping styles.Psychological intervention based on positive psychology is a promising treatment for such patients.AIM To evaluate the effect of positive psychological intervention on anxiety,depression and coping in people addicted to online games.METHODS This self-controlled study included 89 people addicted to online games,who received treatment at Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital,Hangzhou,China in 2019.The Hamilton Anxiety Scale,Hamilton Depression Scale and Trait Coping Style Questionnaire were administered to evaluate the anxiety,depression and coping style among these people.Psychological intervention based on positive psychology was provided for 6 wk followed by another evaluation.The results were compared against those from the previous evaluation.RESULTS After 6 wk of psychological intervention,89 people achieved a significant improvement in the Hamilton Anxiety Scale and Hamilton Depression Scale-24 scales.The score for positive coping style in Trait Coping Style Questionnaire was significantly improved,while that of the negative coping style decreased significantly(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Psychological intervention based on positive psychology alleviated affective symptoms,such as anxiety and depression,in subjects addicted to online games.Psychological intervention corrected negative coping style,thereby improving mental health.

Drug Seeking Behavior of Amphetamine Addicted Sprague-Dawley Rats Is Eliminated after Nutritional Supplementation

Aim: The effectiveness of nutritional supplementation on drug-seeking behavior of amphetamine-addicted rats during withdrawal was investigated using a biased conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. Method: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats exhibiting baseline preference for the black chamber during a 20-minute pre-conditioning exploration of the CPP box completed the study. On alternate days of an 8-day schedule, twelve rats (Group AMP) were randomly selected, given either amphetamine sulfate (5 mg/ml, i.p.) and confined to the white chamber;or vehicle (1 ml saline, i.p.) and confined to the black chamber. A significant increased percentage time spent and number of entries made by Group AMP to the drug-paired, white chamber on the test day confirmed amphetamine addiction. Group AMP subsequently received increasing doses of amphetamine over 6 days. Following acute drug withdrawal, their CPP performance was compared with that of vehicle treated rats (Group SAL). Groups AMP and SAL were equally divided and randomly assigned to animals fed chow reconstituted with the nutritional supplement (AMP-S and SAL-S) over 8 weeks or standard rat chow (AMP-N and SAL-N). CPP performances for all rats were determined blindly from video recordings following this period. Results: Nutritionally supplemented, amphetamine withdrawn rats (AMP-S) exhibited significantly decreased percentage entries and time spent in the white chamber (p ?ve, control animals. Conclusion: Drug-seeking behavior by amphetamine-addicted animals was eliminated after treatment with a nutritionally supplemented diet.

Imaging plaque inflammation in asymptomatic cocaine addicted individuals with simultaneous positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND Chronic cocaine use is associated with stroke, coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction, resulting in severe impairments or sudden mortality. In the absence of clear cardiovascular symptoms, individuals with cocaine use disorder (iCUD) seeking addiction treatment receive mostly psychotherapy and psychiatric pharmacotherapy, with no attention to vascular disease (i.e., atherosclerosis). Little is known about the pre-clinical signs of cardiovascular risk in iCUD and early signs of vascular disease are undetected in this underserved population. AIM To assess inflammation, plaque burden and plaque composition in iCUD aiming to detect markers of atherosclerosis and vascular disease. METHODS The bilateral carotid arteries were imaged with positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) in iCUD asymptomatic for cardiovascular disease, healthy controls, and individuals with cardiovascular risk. PET with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) evaluated vascular inflammation and 3-D dark-blood MRI assessed plaque burden including wall area and thickness. Drug use and severity of addiction were assessed with standardized instruments. RESULTS The majority of iCUD and controls had carotid FDG-PET signal greater than 1.6 but lower than 3, indicating the presence of mild to moderate inflammation. However, the MRI measure of wall structure was thicker in iCUD as compared to the controls and cardiovascular risk group, indicating greater carotid plaque burden. iCUD had larger wall area as compared to the healthy controls but not as compared to the cardiovascular risk group, indicating structural wall similarities between the non-control study groups. In iCUD, wall area correlated with greater cocaine withdrawal and craving. CONCLUSION These preliminary results show markers of carotid artery disease burden in cardiovascular disease-asymptomatic iCUD. Broader trials are warranted to develop protocols for early detection of cardiovascular risk and preventive intervention in iCUD.

Altered proteomic expression in the prefrontal cortex of morphine-addicted rats

The prefrontal cortex is involved in the regulation and control of substance addiction-related cognitive, behavioral, and emotional changes. The present study identified prefrontal cortex protein profiles in morphine-addicted rats; these were subsequently compared with normal rats. Results showed 87 protein spots with differentially expressed levels in the morphine addiction group, with the majority located in meta acid zones at pH 4.2-6.8 and having a molecular weight of 30-110 kDa In addition, 2 protein spots were identified as being associated with neurotoxicity （Snap25 isoform β-Snap25 of synaptosomal-associated protein 25 and βactin）.

A Comparative Analysis of Psychological Disorders between Internet Addicted Students and Ordinary Internet Users in Zabol University of Medical Sciences

Nowadays, using the Internet, for academic and non-academic activities, is an integral part of students’ daily life. Studies showed that excessive use of the Internet has negative effects on physical and mental health. The present research was conducted in order to compare the psychological disorders of Internet addicted students and ordinary Internet users in Zabol University of medical sciences. It applied a causal-comparative method. Through applying purposive sampling method, 252 undergraduate and postgraduate students of Zabol University of Medical Sciences were selected in May 2015. Data collection was performed using standard questionnaires of Young’s Internet Addiction Test and the Symptom Check List 90-Revised (SCL-90-R). Data analysis was carried out using independent t-test with SPSS21. Results indicated that the Internet addicted students, compared with ordinary Internet users had more psychological disorders. Considering the high prevalence of psychological disorders in the Internet addicted students, teaching appropriate use of the Internet to students is an important factor in controlling the Internet addiction.

Microglia in drug addiction:A perspective from neuroimmunopharmacology

Drug addiction refers to a state of dependence that arises from habitual drug intake and can result in specific withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.The most commonly abused substances include psychostimulants,cannabinoids,and opioids.When drugs are consumed,they stimulate the release of dopamine,a neurotransmitter crucial for the pleasure and reward centers of the brain.With repeated drug use,the brain undergoes various changes,leading to tolerance,dependence,and addiction(Lüscher et al.,2020).The mechanisms involved in drug addiction are highly complex and involve diverse cell types within the brain.

Comparison of brain functions between healthy participants and methamphetamine users with various addiction histories:Data analysis based on EEG and fNIRS

The electroencephalogram(EEG)rhythm and functional near-infrared spectroscopy(fNIRS)activation levels have not been compared between a healthy control group(HCG)and methamphetamine user group(MUG)with different addiction histories.This study used 64-electrode EEG and fNIRS to conduct an experiment that analyzed the resting and craving states.The EEG and fNIRS data of 56 participants were collected,including 14 healthy participants,14 methamphetamine users with an addiction history of 0.5–5 years,14 users with an addiction history of 5–10 years,and 14 users with an addiction history of 10–15 years.Isolated effective coherence(iCoh)within the brain network was used to process the EEG data.Statistical analysis was performed to compare differences in iCoh among the delta,theta,alpha,beta,and gamma bands and explore oxyhemoglobin activation levels in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex,dorsolateral prefrontal cortex,orbitofrontal cortex,and frontopolar prefrontal cortex(FPC)of the control group.Finally,the Kmeans,Gaussian mixed model(GMM),linear discriminant analysis(LDA),support vector machine(SVM),Bayes,and convolutional neural networks(CNN)algorithms were used to classify methamphetamine users based on drug and neutral images.A 3-class accuracy was achieved.Changes in EEG and fNIRS activation levels of HCG and MUG with varied addiction histories were demonstrated.

Validity,Reliability,and Measurement Invariance of the Thai Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale

Background:In recent years,there has been increased research interest in both smartphone addiction and social media addiction as well as the development of psychometric instruments to assess these constructs.However,there is a lack of psychometric evaluation for instruments assessing smartphone addiction and social media addiction in Thailand.The present study evaluated the psychometric properties and gender measurement invariance of the Thai version of the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale(SABAS)and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale(BSMAS).Method:A total of 801 Thai university students participated in an online survey from January 2022 to July 2022 which included demographic information,SABAS,BSMAS,and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form(IGDS9-SF).Results:Confirmatory Factor Analyses(CFAs)found that both the SABAS and BSMAS had a one-factor structure.Findings demonstrated adequate psychometric properties of both instruments and also supported measurement invariance across genders.Moreover,scores on the SABAS and BSMAS were correlated with scores on the IGDS9-SF.Conclusion:The results indicated that the SABAS and BSMAS are useful psychometric instruments for assessing the risk of smartphone addiction and social media addiction among Thai young adults.

Reconsidering the role of depression and common psychiatric disorders as partners in the type 2 diabetes epidemic

Common psychiatric disorders(CPDs)and depression contribute significantly to the global epidemic of type 2 diabetes(T2D).We postulated a possible pathophysiological mechanism that through Bridge-Symptoms present in depression and CPDs,promotes the establishment of emotional eating,activation of the reward system,onset of overweight and obesity and,ultimately the increased risk of developing T2D.The plausibility of the proposed pathophysiological mechanism is supported by the mechanism of action of drugs such as naltrexonebupropion currently approved for the treatment of both obesity/overweight with T2D and as separate active pharmaceutical ingredients in drug addiction,but also from initial evidence that is emerging regarding glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists that appear to be effective in the treatment of drug addiction.We hope that our hypothesis may be useful in interpreting the higher prevalence of CPDs and depression in patients with T2D compared with the general population and may help refine the integrated psychiatric-diabetic therapy approach to improve the treatment and or remission of T2D.

Relationships among Sedentary Time,Electronic Product Addiction,and Depression in Adolescents during the COVID-19 Epidemic:A Cross-Lagged Study

Objective:This study was conducted to explore the relationships among sedentary behavior(SB),electronic product addiction(EPA),and depression(D)in adolescents during the COVID-19 epidemic.Methods:A total of 604 adolescents(including 309 girls and 295 boys aged 12-18)were selected from Qufu City,Shandong Province,China for three rounds of investigation.The model was constructed using AMOS 23.0 software,and cross-lagged analysis was conducted.Results:SB at T1 can significantly positively predict SB and EPA at T2(p<0.05).EPA at T1 can significantly positively predict SB and D at T2(p<0.05).Physical activity level and SB at T2 can significantly predict SB and EPA at T3(p<0.05).EPA at T2 can significantly predict SB,EPA,and D at T3(p<0.05).Conclusions:SB and EPA are predictive factors for D.Moreover,SB can significantly positively predict D and indirectly predict D through the mediating effect of EPA.

Associations between Social Media Use and Sleep Quality in China:Exploring the Mediating Role of Social Media Addiction

Sleep quality is closely linked to people’s health,and during the COVID-19 pandemic,the sleep patterns of residents in China were notably poor.The lockdown in China led to an increase in social media use,prompting questions about its impact on sleep.Therefore,this study investigates the association between social media use and sleep quality among Chinese residents during the COVID-19 outbreak,highlighting the potential mediating role of social media addiction.Data were collected via questionnaires through a cross-sectional survey with 779 valid responses.Variance analysis was used to test for differences in social media use among different demographic variables.Bivariate correlation analysis was employed to explore the relationships between variables,while regression analysis investigated the correlations between various media factors and sleep quality.Additionally,Bootstrap sampling was utilized to analyze the potential mediating influence of social media addiction in the relationship between social media use and sleep.The study's findings reveal a significant correlation between social media use,particularly before bedtime,and sleep quality(p<0.01),with pre-sleep activity notably linked to poorer overall sleep scores(β=0.141,p=0.004).Although the daily use of social media did not directly impact most individuals’sleep quality,specific platforms like news apps,short video apps,dating apps,and content community platforms were associated with higher levels of social media addiction,subsequently negatively affecting sleep quality.Specifically,the use of news apps(B=0.068,95%CI[0.000,0.019]),short video apps(B=0.112,95%CI[0.001,0.031]),dating apps(B=0.147,95%CI[0.000,0.028]),and content community platforms(B=0.106,95%CI[0.001,0.028])was found to increase the risk of social media addiction,subsequently leading to adverse effects on sleep quality.The study underscores a notable link between social media use and sleep quality,suggesting that mindful social media habits,particularly before bedtime,and reducing addiction-associated apps could enhance sleep quality.

A Problem Not to Be Ignored: The Influencing Factors of Mobile Phone Addiction and Its Influence on Sleep Quality

Background and Objective: With the popularity and widespread use of mobile phones, the effects of mobile phone dependence and addiction on individuals’ physical and mental health have attracted more and more attention. The present study aims to analyze the current state of mobile phone addiction and its impact on sleep quality within the population, while also exploring the influence of related factors on sleep quality. Ultimately, this research will provide a scientific foundation for targeted intervention measures and strategies. Methods: A total of 253 permanent residents in Nanjing were randomly selected as study subjects. The Mobile Phone Addiction Index (MPAI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to evaluate the degree of smartphone addiction and sleep quality of the study subjects. Body mass index (BMI) was measured according to standardized procedures. Independent sample t-test, Chi-square test, rank sum test and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the correlation between mobile phone addiction and sleep quality, and P Results: 117 people (46.2%) were addicted to mobile phones. Chi-square test showed that the rate of mobile phone addiction in drinking group was significantly higher than that in non-drinking group (P P P P P P P P P P Conclusion: Mobile phone addiction may lead to shorter sleep duration and reduce sleep efficiency. The withdrawal of mobile phone addiction may have a negative impact on sleep quality. According to the characteristics of the population, appropriate comprehensive intervention measures should be taken to build an effective evaluation system, so as to reduce the impact of mobile phone addiction and withdrawal problems on sleep and improve sleep quality.

In the Turmoil of the Cybercriminal Triad, Occult Practices and Toxicomania: The Case of a Young Ivorian Cyber Crook

Far from the financial gains of cyber crooks, the informed observer will see in cyber crookery a complex field of psychopathological expression where addictions and ritualistic practices intermingle. We thus carried out a qualitative observational study, focusing on a young Ivorian cyber-escroc, hard drug user and follower of mystical practices taken in charge by a multidisciplinary team during a resocialization course for children in conflict with the law from November to December 2022. The aim was to describe the difficulties experienced by a young Ivorian cyber crook in escaping the clutches of occult practices, internet addictions and psychoactive substances encountered in the field of cyber crookery. KA is confronted with the problem of cybercrime associated with occult practices and drug addiction. He is a heroin addict and secondary internet addict, undergoing de facto detoxification and presenting risky consumption behaviors. His fear is fuelled by the sudden death of his childhood friend, who introduced him to cyber-scams and occult practices, and the impossibility of returning his “Agbaladai” fetish when he can no longer honor the weekly sacrifices. Our results show an interweaving of psychopathological entities, namely cyberaddiction and addiction to psychoactive substances, against a backdrop of mystico-cultural practices and interpretations.

The Role of Impulsivity and Addiction in Gambling Behaviors: How Applied Neuroscience Research Can Help in the Monitoring and Management of Mental Health Issues

One in five Americans experience symptoms associated with at least one mental health disorder every year. These include behavioral addictions, which have long been overlooked despite their similar neural bases with substance addictions. Gambling addiction, a type of behavioral addiction, deserves particular attention given the significant negative effects, this addiction has on financial and interpersonal health. The purpose of this paper is to review the available literature concerning the behavioral and neural processes involved in gambling addiction, including: the anticipation of reward, the role of dopamine, and the neural substrates of the decision-making processes involved in gambling addiction. Market research has also identified solutions that integrate applied neuroscience and self-tracking systems to monitor and manage mental health issues associated with gambling addiction. The authors then propose a gambling treatment-focused mobile app solution that addresses outstanding issues with a special design aimed at reversing plasticity in order to relieve the effects of gambling addiction. .

Examining the Hypothesis of Common Factors Shared by Different Addictive Behaviors and Gender Effects on Propensity to Addiction Type

Background: From the two facts reported by previous research: 1) frequent co-occurrence of more than one addictive behavior, 2) childhood adversities identified as origins of different types of addictive behaviors, it is assumed that all types of addictive behaviors, regardless of substance, behavioral, or relationship, share common factors which have not yet been proven by epidemiological research. The Shorter PROMIS Questionnaire (SPQ) was previously developed to assess 16 types of addictive behaviors. Its factor structure, however, has not been fully investigated. Confirming the factor structure will enable us to hypothesize the common factor(s) shared by all, or if not all, most types of addictive behaviors. Aims: This study aimed at 1) examining the factor structure of the SPQ, 2) confirming the reliability of the questionnaire, and 3) examining the impacts of gender and age on each addictive behavior. Methods: Data obtained from 232 Japanese adults who completed all items of the SPQ were used for the analyses. After confirming the one-factor structure model for each of the 16 subscales, the validity of the one-factor structure of the SPQ was evaluated using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), by adapting 16 subscale scores as observed variables. If its validity was not confirmed, another model which showed better compatibility to the data was explored. The reliability of the SPQ as well as that of all 16 subscales was evaluated. Also, the impacts of gender and age on each subscale score were examined. Results: The one-factor structure for each of the 16 subscales was confirmed. The compatibility of the SPQ one-factor model was not acceptable. The best fit model was a bi-factor model in which one main factor was shared by all 16 subscales, and three factors were shared by some specific addictive behaviors. Male respondents were more likely than female respondents to show high scores in Alcohol, Tobacco, Gambling, Sex, and Recreational Drugs, and low scores only in Shopping. Respondents’ age did not impact any of the 16 subscale scores. Conclusion: It was demonstrated that there are common factors shared by all different types, as well as selected types of addictive behaviors, by conducting CFAs of the SPQ. Reliability was proven for the SPQ and for all 16 subscales. Male respondents were more likely to show physically hedonic addictive behaviors.

Redefining gaming addictive behavior:influence of media,psychological dimensions and clinical implications

This review critically examines gaming addiction within the contexts of media psychology and addiction theory.It outlines a continuum of gaming behavior,from casual play to addiction,characterized by loss of control,prioritizing gaming over other activities,and negative life consequences.The inclusion of gaming disorder in International Classification of Disease 11 and its provisional status in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder 5 highlight growing clinical and societal recognition.The review explores neural correlates of gaming addiction,such as activation in reward-related brain regions,drawing parallels with substance addiction.It highlights how media and marketing promote gaming behaviors potentially leading to addiction,raising ethical concerns about game design and advertising.The review systematically analyzes the negative physical,mental,social,and occupational impacts of gaming addiction.It advocates for a balanced approach emphasizing awareness,therapeutic interventions,and responsible media practices,while also proposing areas for future research and policy development to mitigate the risks of excessive gaming.

An Assessment on the Impact of Technological Addiction on Workplace Productivity: Case of the Public Sector in Zimbabwe

With the increasing integration of technology in modern workplaces, concerns have emerged regarding the addictive nature of technology and its potential consequences on employee productivity. This research aims to investigate the impact of technological addiction on workplace productivity within the public sector of Zimbabwe. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, interviews, and a case study analysis, to examine the prevalence and effects of technological addiction in affecting productivity in the public sector of Zimbabwe. The findings indicate that excessive use of social media, and other digital distractions is a growing concern in the public sector, leading to decreased focus, missed deadlines, and strained teamwork. Factors such as unrestricted internet access, lack of clear usage policies, and inadequate self-regulation contribute to the problem The research outcomes also highlight the need for awareness and interventions to address social media addiction in the workplace, promote healthier technology use, and uphold productivity and employee well-being.

Addicted to Dumplings

On the first day of class of fresh- men oral English at a university in Changzhou,Jiangsu Province,I usually let the students ask me any question they want because for many of them,

The First Pilot Epigenetic Type Improvement of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in a Polymorphic Dopamine D2 (-DRD2/ANKK (Taq1A)), OPRM1 (A/G), DRD3 (C/T), and MAOA (4R) Compromised Preadolescence Male with Putative PANDAS/CANS: Positive Clinical Outcome with Precision-Guided DNA Testing and Pro-Dopamine Regulation (KB220) and Antibacterial Therapies

Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with or without streptococcal and other bacterial infections (PANDAS/CANS) are emerging as a featured pediatric disorder. Although there is some controversy regarding treatment approaches, especially related to the behavioral sequelae, we have hypothesized in other published work that it is characterized by the rapid onset of Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) in children. We propose utilizing a multi-systems biological approach involving the coupling of genetic addiction risk testing and pro-dopamine regulation (KB220/POLYGEN®) to help induce “dopamine homeostasis” in patients with PANDAS, especially those with known DNA-induced hypodopaminergia. This case study examines a 12-year-old Caucasian male with no prior psychiatric issues who presented with a sudden onset of severe anxiety, depression, emotional liability, and suicidal ideation. The patient underwent genotyping and the genetic addiction risk score (GARS) testing, which revealed risk polymorphisms in the dopamine D2 (-DRD2/ANKK (Taq1A), OPRM1 (A/G), DRD3 (C/T), and MAOA (4R) genes. These polymorphisms have been linked to hypodopaminergia. The patient was subsequently placed on research ID-KB220ZPBMPOLY (POLYGEN®), and albeit the possibility of bias, based upon self and parental assessment, a marked rapid improvement in psychiatric symptoms was observed. In the second phase of treatment (102 days utilizing KB220), the patient received standard antibody testing, which was positive for Lyme. Antibacterial therapy started immediately, and KB220z was discontinued to provide a wash-out period. A monotonic trend analysis was performed on each outcome measure, and a consistently decreasing trend was observed utilizing antibacterial therapy. Our recommendation, albeit only one case, is to utilize and further research a combined therapeutic approach, involving precision-guided DNA testing and pro-dopamine regulation along with antibacterial therapy, as well as glutathione to address offensive enhanced cytokines, in patients with suspected PANDAS/CANS.