Social, personality and abnormal psychology session 7: addictive behaviour
DSM-5: Substance-related & addictive disorders
Substance-related disorders: Alcohol, Caffeine, Cannabis,
Hallucinogen, Inhalant, Opioid, Sedative/hypnotic/anxiolytic,
stimulant, tobacco…
Non-substance related disorders: Gambling disorder
DSM5 (2013): “Other excessive behavioral patterns, such as Internet gaming, have
also been described, but the research on these and other behavioral syndromes is
less clear. Thus, groups of repetitive behaviors, which some term behavioral
addictions, with such subcategories as "sex addiction”, "exercise addiction”, or
"shopping addiction”, are not included because at this time there is insufficient
peer-reviewed evidence to establish the diagnostic criteria and course descriptions
needed to identify these behaviors as mental disorders.” (p.481)
Social networking
Kuss et al. (2011): “From a clinical psychologist’s perspective, it may be plausible to
speak specifically of ‘Facebook Addiction Disorder’ (or more generally ‘SNS Addiction
Disorder’ [Social Networking Sites]), because addiction criteria, such as neglect of
personal life, mental preoccupation, escapism, mood modifying experiences,
tolerance, and concealing the addictive behavior, appear to be present in some
people who use SNSs excessively…”
Social networking and reward
Fareri et al. (2012): participants in fMRI working to win rewards in card game. Played
together with a computer, an unknown person or a friend. The same rewards were
rated as most exciting when won with a friend.
Mesolimbic Dopamine System
Ventral tegmental area (all the cell bodies hang out) feed forward to the nucleus
accumbens which feed to the medial prefrontal cortex where dopamine is produced
and released
Fareri et al. (2012): activity in ventral striatum tracked subjective excitement at
rewards, so was most activated when winning rewards with a friend.
Facebook: Neural Response to Likes
Meshi et al. 2013: nucleus accumbens of participants responded more when they
received Likes rather than when observing others receiving Likes. Heaviest Facebook
users showed the largest response.
Facebook Use and Grey Matter Loss
Montag et al. 2017: the more time spent on Facebook, the less grey matter volume
in the nucleus accumbens.
Internet Addiction reduces dopamine D2 receptor availability
Kim et al 2011: found widespread drop-offs in dopamine D2 receptor availability in
internet addicts throughout dopaminergic regions, including the nucleus accumbens.
World of Warcraft
Ko et al 2009: WOW images specifically activated the medial frontal cortex and
nucleus accumbens. “…the neural substrate of … online gaming addiction is similar to
that of the cue-induced craving in substance dependence.” p.739
League of Legends: Neuropsychological effects
DSM-5: Substance-related & addictive disorders
Substance-related disorders: Alcohol, Caffeine, Cannabis,
Hallucinogen, Inhalant, Opioid, Sedative/hypnotic/anxiolytic,
stimulant, tobacco…
Non-substance related disorders: Gambling disorder
DSM5 (2013): “Other excessive behavioral patterns, such as Internet gaming, have
also been described, but the research on these and other behavioral syndromes is
less clear. Thus, groups of repetitive behaviors, which some term behavioral
addictions, with such subcategories as "sex addiction”, "exercise addiction”, or
"shopping addiction”, are not included because at this time there is insufficient
peer-reviewed evidence to establish the diagnostic criteria and course descriptions
needed to identify these behaviors as mental disorders.” (p.481)
Social networking
Kuss et al. (2011): “From a clinical psychologist’s perspective, it may be plausible to
speak specifically of ‘Facebook Addiction Disorder’ (or more generally ‘SNS Addiction
Disorder’ [Social Networking Sites]), because addiction criteria, such as neglect of
personal life, mental preoccupation, escapism, mood modifying experiences,
tolerance, and concealing the addictive behavior, appear to be present in some
people who use SNSs excessively…”
Social networking and reward
Fareri et al. (2012): participants in fMRI working to win rewards in card game. Played
together with a computer, an unknown person or a friend. The same rewards were
rated as most exciting when won with a friend.
Mesolimbic Dopamine System
Ventral tegmental area (all the cell bodies hang out) feed forward to the nucleus
accumbens which feed to the medial prefrontal cortex where dopamine is produced
and released
Fareri et al. (2012): activity in ventral striatum tracked subjective excitement at
rewards, so was most activated when winning rewards with a friend.
Facebook: Neural Response to Likes
Meshi et al. 2013: nucleus accumbens of participants responded more when they
received Likes rather than when observing others receiving Likes. Heaviest Facebook
users showed the largest response.
Facebook Use and Grey Matter Loss
Montag et al. 2017: the more time spent on Facebook, the less grey matter volume
in the nucleus accumbens.
Internet Addiction reduces dopamine D2 receptor availability
Kim et al 2011: found widespread drop-offs in dopamine D2 receptor availability in
internet addicts throughout dopaminergic regions, including the nucleus accumbens.
World of Warcraft
Ko et al 2009: WOW images specifically activated the medial frontal cortex and
nucleus accumbens. “…the neural substrate of … online gaming addiction is similar to
that of the cue-induced craving in substance dependence.” p.739
League of Legends: Neuropsychological effects
