Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback Modulation of Dopaminergic Midbrain Activity in Young Adults With Elevated Internet Gaming Disorder Risk: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Gu, Anqi; Chan, Cheng Lam; Xu, Xiaolei; Dexter, Joseph P; Becker, Benjamin; Zhao, Zhiying · J Med Internet Res · 2025

rct · Level II

Where this comes from

Abstract

This study provides preliminary evidence for real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback (rt-fMRI NF) as a potential intervention approach for internet gaming disorder (IGD). In a preregistered, randomized, single-blind trial, young individuals with elevated IGD risk were trained to downregulate gaming addiction-related brain activity. We show that, after 2 sessions of neurofeedback training, participants successfully downregulated their brain responses to gaming cues, suggesting the therapeutic potential of rt-fMRI NF for IGD (Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06063642; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06063642).

Medical subject headings