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Gaming addiction, or internet gaming disorder (IGD), poses significant mental and physical health challenges.

Gaming Addiction

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) affects mental and physical health, leading to problems with emotional regulation, cognitive function, and executive control. Studies have shown that changes in brain activity, especially in the frontal regions, are linked to IGD. These areas include the orbitofrontal cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The disorder also affects connectivity in brain regions related to reward processing and executive control. Traditional treatments for IGD have not always been effective in the long term, often leading to high recurrence rates once the treatment is stopped.

Can Mindfulness Meditation Help Address Gaming Addiction?

Mindfulness Meditation (MM) is gaining recognition as a therapeutic approach for various conditions, including addiction. It helps improve attention and self-regulation by encouraging individuals to remain non-judgemental and vigilant to distractions. MM affects brain regions such as the anterior cingulate cortex, striatum, prefrontal cortex, insula, and precuneus, which are crucial in regulating cravings and addictive behaviors.

A study published in JAMA Network Open examined the effectiveness of MM in treating IGD. Conducted at Hangzhou Normal University, the study involved 80 participants diagnosed with IGD. Participants were randomly assigned to either an MM group or a control group practicing progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). The study found that both groups showed a decrease in IGD symptoms, but the MM group experienced a more significant reduction in gaming cravings.

The study also noted that MM decreased brain activation in areas associated with cravings, such as the lentiform nuclei, medial frontal gyrus (MFG), and insula. These regions are involved in dopaminergic circuitry and executive control. Reduced activation in these areas suggests that MM may help manage cravings by enhancing behavioral control and reducing cue reactivity.

Overall, MM proved more effective than PMR in reducing gaming cravings and addiction severity. The findings indicate that MM could be a viable treatment for IGD by altering brain responses associated with cravings. Further research could solidify MM's role in addressing gaming addiction and improving the quality of life for affected individuals.