People who are diagnosed with a internetverslaving, reveal abnormalities in the brain, according to Chinese research. Especially the inter-connections between brain cells in several brain areas differ.
The scientists examined people suffering from ‘internet addiction disorder’ in an mri scanner and found abnormalities in the white matter in brain areas with emotion and cognition. The white matter is formed by “threads” which brain cells connect with each other. Patients that are diagnosed with iad proved to reduced structural integrity and organization of white matter. According to the scientists comes the hersenbeeld that internetverslaafden is found consistent with that in the brains of drug addicts is found.
The abnormalities were found in brain areas involved in the processing of emotions, attention and making decisions. Also the corpus collosum, connecting the two hemispheres of the brain together, turned out to deviate in patients with iad.
Although the scientists with their research, a biological component for internetverslaving demonstrate, there is still no causal link. Their findings together, the researchers hope to figure out what the exact cause is for iad. Therefore, it should be clear whether the brain dysfunction cause or result of internetverslaving. In addition, claim the scientists that their research can help in the treatment of iad.