Dr. John Preston on
Psychopharm in the News
Internet
Addiction and Antidepressants?
September 13, 2010 - NewScientist
Tech
The
argument that internet addiction should be treated seriously was given
more weight recently when a group of psychiatrists used MRI scanners to
show changes in the brain activity of a group of South Korean gamers
receiving treatment for addiction to an online game.
When volunteers were shown parts of the game, brain activity in three distinct areas increased significantly. After a six-week course of the antidepressant bupropion, the addicts showed decreased brain activity when exposed to game cues, which tallied with a reduction in their craving to play.
When volunteers were shown parts of the game, brain activity in three distinct areas increased significantly. After a six-week course of the antidepressant bupropion, the addicts showed decreased brain activity when exposed to game cues, which tallied with a reduction in their craving to play.
Commentary
By
Dr. John Preston