Brain Connectivity May Flag IGD Risk - Takeaways - MDSpire

Brain Connectivity May Flag IGD Risk

  • By

  • Andrea Surnit

  • April 6, 2026

  • 3 min

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  • 1

    A neuroimaging-defined subtype showed a 24% risk for developing internet gaming disorder (IGD) compared to 7% in a lower-risk subtype over two years.

  • 2

    The higher-risk subtype exhibited reduced orbitofrontal connectivity and increased occipital connectivity, linked to impulsivity and control processes.

  • 3

    Baseline impulsivity, particularly in cognitive and nonplanning domains, was greater in the higher-risk group, correlating with increased IGD severity at follow-up.

  • 4

    Combining resting-state functional connectivity features with impulsivity scores improved prediction of baseline IGD severity compared to using either alone.

  • 5

    The study suggests impulsivity-linked brain connectivity may aid in early identification of individuals at risk for IGD, warranting further validation.

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