Cross-Cultural Examination of Problematic Internet Use and Associated Psychological Variables: A Comparative Study in Italy, Spain, Ecuador, and Peru.

Background: Several studies focused on the escalating prevalence of Problematic Use of Internet (PUI) and its consequential impact on mental health globally. This study investigates the relationship between PUI and associated psychological variables across different cultural contexts in Italy, Spain, Ecuador, and Peru. Method: A total of 675 participants, aged 18 to 54 (M = 22.73; SD = 4.05), completed measures assessing Internet addiction, social media addiction, Fear of Missing Out, Internet Gaming Disorder, and Phubbing. Results: Significant cultural variations were found, with Italian participants showing higher levels of Internet addiction but lower levels of social media addiction compared to other countries. Fear of Missing Out was higher in Italy, while the Italian sample exhibited lower Internet Gaming Disorder levels compared to Peru. As regards the communication disturbance caused by Phubbing, the Italian sample demonstrated significantly higher scores than the Peruvian sample. Linear regression analyses revealed distinct predictors for problematic Internet use in each country, emphasizing the importance of considering the cultural context in understanding this phenomenon. Conclusions: These findings contribute valuable insights into the interplay of cultural factors, psychological variables, and problematic Internet use, guiding future research and interventions.

Interplay between alexithymia, emotion regulation, and positive and negative affect as predictors of gambling and gaming disorders in adolescents and young adults

Introduction/Objectives: Gambling and gaming disorder are usually comorbid addictive behaviours in which alexithymia and emotional regulation have been proved to be of relevance. The present study aimed to analyse the relationship between those variables and their differences depending on the presence or absence of gambling and gaming behaviours. Method: The sample consisted of 1,219 people between 12 and 20 years of age (M = 15.55, SD = 2.07; 51.8% females). Results: The results showed significant differences between players and non-players in gambling disorder, alexithymia and emotional regulation. The findings also indicated that there were differences in alexithymia, emotional regulation, negative affect, gambling disorder and gaming disorder among the different profiles of video game players. The comparison of participants with gaming disorder, gambling disorder, both, or neither of them, showed differences in alexithymia, emotional regulation, negative affect, gambling disorder and gaming disorder. Furthermore, correlations between gambling disorder and age, gaming disorder, negative affect, alexithymia and emotional regulation were found. Similarly, gaming dis-order was associated with gambling disorder, negative affect, alexithymia, emotional regulation and age. Conclusions: The hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated the predictive role of alexithymia and age in gambling disorder as well as the predictive role of age, sex and negative affect in gaming disorder.

Introducción/Objetivos: Los trastornos de juego y videojuego son conductas adictivas habitualmente comórbidas en las que se ha demostrado la relevancia de la alexitimia y la regulación emocional. Este estudio analiza la relación entre dichas variables y sus diferencias en función de la presencia o ausencia de conductas de juego y videojuego. Método: La muestra estuvo formada por 1219 personas de entre 12 y 20 años (M = 15.55, SD = 2.07; 51.8 % mujeres). Resultados: Los resultados mostraron diferencias significativas entre jugadores y no jugadores en el juego patológico, la alexitimia y la regulación emocional. Los resultados también indicaron que había diferencias en alexitimia, regulación emocional, afecto negativo, trastorno de juego y videojuego entre los distintos perfiles de jugadores de videojuegos. La comparación de los participantes con trastorno de juego y videojuego, con ambos o con ninguno de ellos, mostró diferencias en la alexitimia, la regulación emocional, el afecto negativo, el trastorno de juego y videojuego. Además, se encontraron correlaciones entre el juego patológico y la edad, el trastorno por videojuego, el afecto negativo, la alexitimia y la regulación emocional. Del mismo modo, el trastorno por videojuego se asoció con el juego patológico, el afecto negativo, la alexitimia, la regulación emocional y la edad. Conclusiones: Los análisis de regresión jerárquica demostraron el papel predictivo de la alexitimia y la edad en el trastorno de juego y el papel predictivo de la edad, el sexo y el afecto negativo en el trastorno por videojuego.

Validation of the Ten-Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT-10) and Its Association with Functional Impairment in Brazilian Gamers.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the growing recognition of gaming disorder as a mental disorder, there is still debate about how it should be best screened for. This is especially relevant in countries where prevalence studies that could support evidence-based policymaking are still to be conducted. This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Ten-Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT-10) and to explore its association with functional impairment. METHODS: An online convenience sample of 805 Brazilian adults who reported playing games completed the adapted version of IGDT-10 and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0, as well as the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale, the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale and socio-demographic questions. RESULTS: The Brazilian Portuguese version of IGDT-10 demonstrated a unidimensional structure in both confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis, with satisfactory internal consistency and adequate temporal stability. Participants who scored five or more on IGDT-10 presented higher levels of functional impairment compared to those who scored positive for four symptoms or less. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant and showed a moderate effect size. Network analysis showed a direct connection between IGDT-10 and functional impairment, and identified "negative consequences" as the most relevant item connecting these variables. CONCLUSION: The IGDT-10 is a brief, easy-to-understand, valid, and reliable instrument, proving to be a suitable candidate for screening gaming disorder in future epidemiological studies.

Dietary Habits and Gaming Behaviors of Portuguese and Brazilian Esports Players.

As the esports industry grows, marketing campaigns for fast food, soft drinks, alcoholic and energy drinks, and dietary supplements at related events intensify. Portuguese and Brazilian esports players' dietary patterns remain unexplored. This study aimed to characterize the dietary and gaming habits of esports players. We applied an anonymous, open online survey to a convenience sample of esports players that included the PREDIMED and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale. The survey was shared through email and social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Discord, WhatsApp, and Twitch. The sample (n = 579) was predominantly male (91.4%), averaged 26.1 (SD = 7.0) years, and 25.9 (SD = 5.5) kg/m2. Most reported a weak (53.7%) adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Almost a third (32.3%) consumed dietary supplements. Our sample presented a low adhesion to the Mediterranean dietary pattern, low consumption of fruit and vegetables, and high consumption of fast food, red and processed meat, soft drinks, and dietary supplements, including caffeine-based supplements. Dietary supplement consumption was related to a higher adhesion to the Mediterranean diet, and a higher level of professionalization and internet gaming disorder correlated with a lower adhesion. In conclusion, we infer that Portuguese and Brazilian esports players follow an unbalanced diet.

A Systematic Review of Pharmacological Treatments for Internet Gaming Disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is an increasingly common behavioral addiction, with an estimated global prevalence of 3%. A variety of pharmacological treatments have been used to treat IGD, yet no review to date has synthesized clinical trials evaluating their efficacy. This systematic review therefore synthesized the literature reporting on clinical trials of pharmacological treatments for IGD. METHODS: We reviewed articles from MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed Central, CINAHL, and PsycINFO that were published as of March of 2022. A total of 828 articles were retrieved for review and 12 articles were included, reporting on a total of 724 participants. RESULTS: Most participants were male (98.6%), and all were currently living in South Korea. The most common drugs used to treat IGD were bupropion, methylphenidate, and a range of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The Young Internet Addiction Scale was the most frequently used to measure gaming-related outcomes. All studies reported reduced symptoms of IGD from pre- to post-treatment. Across all clinical trials, IGD symptom reductions following the administration of pharmacological treatments ranged from 15.4% to 51.4%. A risk of bias assessment indicated that only four studies had a low risk of bias. CONCLUSION: Preliminary results suggest that a wide array of pharmacological interventions may be efficacious in the treatment of IGD. Future studies using double-blind randomized controlled trial designs, recruiting larger and more representative samples, and controlling for psychiatric comorbidities are needed to better inform understanding of pharmacological treatments for IGD.

Prevalence of internet gaming disorder and its psychological correlates / Prevalência do transtorno do jogo pela internet e seus correlatos psicológicos

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the prevalence of internet gaming disorder (IGD) symptoms in a sample of Brazilian adults, and its association with personality, psychiatric symptoms and psychosocial measures. Methods We evaluated 219 adults online recruited using questionnaires and psychometric scales. We evaluated the behavior and pattern of internet games using the Game Addiction Scale (GAS). We tested the association of the previous measures with the GAS scores by spearman correlations and multiple regression analysis. Results Of our sample, 74% played games online. We found correlations between IGD symptoms and most symptoms of mental disorders, with small or moderate effect sizes, as well as correlations with the personality traits of agreeableness (r = -0.272; p < 0.001), conscientiousness (r = - 0.314; p < 0.001), and neuroticism (r = 0.299; p < 0.001). Additionally, we found a negative association with psychosocial outcomes such as quality of life (r = -0.339; p < 0.001) and life satisfaction (r = - 0.202; p < 0.003). The multivariate model included the personality traits of conscientiousness and agreeableness and symptoms of dissociation and somatization as predictors. The prevalence of IGD was 9% in those who played online games. Conclusion IGD is correlated with different areas of the individual's life, such as personality, quality of life, and several common symptoms of mental disorders. The prevalence can be considered high among players (9%). Conscientiousness, agreeability, somatic symptoms, and dissociative symptoms were associated with the symptoms of IGD.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar a prevalência de sintomas do transtorno do jogo pela internet (TJI) em uma amostra de adultos brasileiros e sua associação com personalidade, sintomas psiquiátricos e medidas psicossociais. Métodos Avaliamos 219 adultos recrutados on-line por meio de questionários e escalas psicométricas. Avaliamos o comportamento e o padrão dos jogos na internet usando a Game Addiction Scale (GAS). Testamos a associação das medidas anteriores com as pontuações na GAS por meio de correlações de Spearman e análise de regressão múltipla. Resultados De nossa amostra, 74% jogavam jogos on-line. Encontramos correlações entre sintomas do TJI e a maioria dos sintomas de transtornos mentais, com tamanhos de efeito pequenos ou moderados, bem como correlações com os traços de personalidade de amabilidade (r = -0,272; p < 0,001), conscienciosidade (r = - 0,314; p < 0,001) e neuroticismo (r = 0,299; p < 0,001). Além disso, encontramos uma associação negativa com resultados psicossociais, como qualidade de vida (r = -0,339; p < 0,001) e satisfação com a vida (r = - 0,202; p < 0,003). O modelo multivariado incluiu os traços de personalidade de conscienciosidade e amabilidade e sintomas de dissociação e somatização como preditores. A prevalência de TJI foi de 9% entre os que jogavam jogos on-line. Conclusão O TJI está correlacionado com diferentes áreas da vida do indivíduo, como personalidade, qualidade de vida e vários sintomas comuns de transtornos mentais. A prevalência pode ser considerada alta entre os jogadores (9%). Conscienciosidade, amabilidade, sintomas somáticos e sintomas dissociativos estavam associados aos sintomas do TJI.

The role of executive function deficits, delay aversion and emotion dysregulation in internet gaming disorder and social media disorder: Links to psychosocial outcomes.

Background and aims: It has been argued that it is important to consider underlying mechanisms of mental health problems. Previous studies have shown that executive deficits, delay aversion, and emotion dysregulation are related to Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and Social Media Disorder (SMD). However, the present study is the first to investigate whether these neuropsychological deficits show additive effects or if they interact. The present study also investigated whether these deficits mediate the association between IGD/SMD and psychosocial outcomes. Methods: The study involved 995 university students who completed a survey measuring IGD/SMD symptom severity, neuropsychological functions, and psychosocial outcomes. Both dimensional and categorical analyses were used to assess the associations between neuropsychological functions and IGD/SMD. Simple and multiple mediation analyses were conducted to examine if neuropsychological functioning mediates the association between IGD/SMD and psychosocial outcomes. Results: All neuropsychological functions were significantly associated with both IGD and SMD symptom severity. However, only inhibition and emotion regulation, as well as delay aversion for SMD, remained significant when controlling for the overlap between different functions. Associations were significantly stronger for men compared to women for IGD. In the categorical analyses, individuals with IGD/SMD were more likely to have neuropsychological deficits (odds ratios between 3.33 and 8.81). Finally, all neuropsychological functions, except inhibition, were significant mediators in the link between IGD/SMD and psychosocial outcomes. Discussion and conclusions: These results shed light on the neuropsychological underpinnings of IGD/SMD, which can be used to identify more homogenous subgroups and provide more individualized treatment options.

Internet Gaming Disorder Does Not Predict Mood, Anxiety or Substance Use Disorders in University Students: A One-Year Follow-Up Study.

We seek to evaluate whether Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) among university students in Mexico during their first year at university predicts a long list of mental disorders a year later, controlling for baseline mental health disorders as well as demographics. This is a prospective cohort study with a one-year follow-up period conducted during the 2018-2019 academic year and followed up during the 2019-2020 academic year at six Mexican universities. Participants were first-year university students (n = 1741) who reported symptoms compatible with an IGD diagnosis at entry (baseline). Outcomes are seven mental disorders (mania, hypomania, and major depressive episodes; generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder; alcohol use disorder and drug use disorder), and three groups of mental disorders (mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders) at the end of the one-year follow-up. Fully adjusted models, that included baseline controls for groups of mental disorders, rendered all associations null. The association between baseline IGD and all disorders and groups of disorders at follow-up was close to one, suggesting a lack of longitudinal impact of IGD on mental disorders. Conflicting results from available longitudinal studies on the role of IGD in the development of mental disorders warrant further research.

"Game (not) Over": A Systematic Review of Video Game Disorder in Adolescents / "Game (not) Over": una Revision Sistemática del Trastorno por Uso de Videojuegos en Adolescentes

Abstract This study aims to characterize video game use disorder in adolescents, identifying the particularities of those who present it, its effects at the brain level, related factors, and existing measurement instruments. A systematic review of the scientific publications available in Scopus was carried out, between the period 2014-2018 on video game use disorder in adolescents. Adolescents with this disorder are characterized by being mostly men, spending more time daily and weekly playing than adolescents without this disorder, showing diverse symptoms in the behavioral, affective, and cognitive areas. At brain level, it is referred that in this disorder there is an increase and decrease in the activation of specific areas of the brain. Likewise, the presence of some psychological disorder and impulsivity are considered factors that increase the risk of suffering from it. However, there are protective factors as school commitment and parental supervision, among others.

Resumen Este estudio pretende caracterizar el trastorno por uso de videojuegos en adolescentes, identificando las particularidades de quienes lo presentan, sus efectos a nivel cerebral, los factores relacionados y los instrumentos de medición existentes. Para ello, se llevó a cabo una revisión sistemática de las publicaciones científicas disponibles en Scopus, entre el periodo 2014-2018, sobre el trastorno por uso de videojuegos en adolescentes. Sus resultados describen que adolescentes con este trastorno se caracterizan por ser en su mayoría hombres, dedicar más tiempo diario y semanal de juego que adolescentes sin este trastorno, mostrando diversos síntomas en el área conductual, afectiva y cognitiva. A nivel cerebral se refiere que en este trastorno se presenta una elevación y disminución en la activación de determinadas zonas específicas del cerebro. Asimismo, la presencia de algún trastorno psicológico y la impulsividad, son considerados factores que aumentan el riesgo de padecerlo. Sin embargo, existen factores protectores como el compromiso escolar y la supervisión parental, entre otros.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Gaming Disorder in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Systematic Review.

We aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with gaming disorder (GD) in the population of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). A systematic review was performed (PROSPERO protocol registration: CRD42021230565). We included studies that identified participants with GD and/or factors associated with this condition, reported the prevalence of GD, or contained data that assisted in its estimation, were published after 2013 (the year of inclusion of GD in the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and were carried out in a population residing in an LAC country. Evaluation of the quality of the studies was carried out using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical appraisal checklist tool. A qualitative synthesis of the data was performed. Of the total of 1567 records identified, 25 passed the full-text review phase, and 6 met the selection criteria. These studies were published between 2018 and 2021 and had a cross-sectional design (three in Brazil, one in Ecuador, Mexico, and the other was multi-country, including a LAC country [Peru]). The prevalence of GD ranged from 1.1% to 38.2%. The three studies in Brazil had the highest figures of GD prevalence (20.4-38.2%). Four studies evaluated factors associated with GD. Characteristics regarding the game (type), pattern of use (hours played), as well as gender (higher in men), tobacco and alcohol consumption, poor interpersonal relationships, and the presence of mental disorders were found to be associated with GD in LAC. Evidence on the prevalence and factors associated with GD in LAC is limited. Studies on GD in LAC evaluate different population subgroups, describing a wide prevalence of this condition (present in up to 38 out of 100 evaluated). Characteristics such as the type and hours of use of the games, sociodemographic data, lifestyles, interpersonal relationships, and the presence of mental disorders increase the probability of presenting GD.

Mental health and behavioral problems associated with video game playing among Brazilian adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The problematic use of video games is linked to mental health and behavioral problems among adolescents. World reported averages for problematic use range from 1.3% to 19.3%. This is the first study to investigate these problems among Brazilian adolescents. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the prevalence of the non-problematic and problematic use of video games among Brazilian adolescents, and to assess mental health and behavioral problems associated with both types of use. METHODS: This study used the baseline data of a cluster randomized controlled trial that evaluated the effectiveness of the school-based program #Tamojunto2.0. The sample included 3,939 eighth-grade students who answered an anonymous self-report questionnaire. Video game use was investigated through a question, and problematic use was assessed using a scale. Weighted logistic regressions were used to investigate the associated factors. RESULTS: The results show that 85.85% of the children reported playing video games in the past year, 28.17% fulfilled our criteria for problematic use. Non-problematic video game use is associated with being male, younger ages, and bullying perpetration. Problematic video game use is associated with being male, tobacco and alcohol use, bullying perpetrators, and bullying victims, with abnormal levels of hyperactivity/inattention, social behavior problems, conduct problems, peer relationship problems, and emotional symptoms. CONCLUSION: Brazilian adolescents' self-reported use of video games is compatible with the world average, but the percentage of those who showed problematic use is higher than the world average. This study demonstrates the need for investigating how to prevent and intervene in this situation.

Preditores de videogames para dispositivos móveis na dor do músculo esquelético entre estudantes universitários em Selangor, Malásia / Predictors of Mobile Video Gaming on Musculoskeletal Pain among University Students in Selangor, Malaysia

OBJETIVOS: Jogar videogames em dispositivos móveis tem aumentado rapidamente entre estudantes universitários, mais do que antes da pandemia do COVID-19. Isso é muito preocupante, pois pode desencadear vários problemas, como dores musculoesqueléticas e distúrbios de jogo. Vários estudos semelhantes foram realizados em vários países, mas limitados na Malásia. O presente estudo tem como objetivo investigar o efeito dos videogames móveis na dor musculoesquelética entre estudantes universitários em Selangor, Malásia. PARTICIPANTES E MÉTODOS: Este estudo foi conduzido online usando um questionário online auto-relatado por meio do Formulário Google e enviado a estudantes universitários em Selangor, Malásia. O vício em jogos dos participantes foi medido por meio do questionário Ten Item Internet Gaming Disorder test (IGDT-10) e a prevalência de dor musculoesquelética foi avaliada pelo Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (MNMQ). RESULTADOS: A prevalência de Transtorno de Jogos na Internet entre estudantes universitários em Selangor, Malásia, é de 1,8% (n = 3). A região do pescoço (74,2%) foi a região do corpo mais comumente relatada com dor musculoesquelética, seguida pela região dos ombros (60,7%), região lombar (55,8%) e região superior das costas (50,9%). Houve associação significativa entre a posição corporal durante o videogame móvel (p = 0,002) e a dor musculoesquelética na região lombar. CONCLUSÃO: De acordo com os resultados deste estudo, a prevalência de Transtorno de Jogos na Internet entre estudantes universitários era baixa e não viciados em jogos no bloqueio Covid-19. Também descobrimos que os participantes que se sentaram enquanto jogavam videogames para celular tinham maior probabilidade de desenvolver dor lombar.

INTRODUCTION: Mobile video gaming among university students has increased rapidly, more than before the COVID-19 pandemic. This is very concerning as this could spark various problems, such as musculoskeletal pain and gaming disorders. OBJECTIVES: The present study is to identify the predictors of mobile video gaming on musculoskeletal pain among university students in Selangor, Malaysia. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: This study was conducted online using a self-reported online questionnaire via Google Form and sent to university students in Selangor, Malaysia. Participants' gaming addiction was measured using the Ten Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT-10) questionnaire, and the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was assessed by the Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (MNMQ). The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. A descriptive and binomial linear regression test was used to predict the variables. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05, and odds ratios were calculated with confidence intervals of 95%. RESULTS: The prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder among university students in Selangor, Malaysia is 1.8% (n=3). The neck region (74.2%) was the most commonly reported body region with musculoskeletal pain, followed by the shoulder region (60.7 %), lower back region (55.8 %), and upper back region (50.9 %). The body position was the only predictor of mobile video gaming with musculoskeletal pain (p = 0.002) in the lower back region. CONCLUSION: According to the findings of this study, the prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) among university students was low and not addicted to gaming in the Covid-19 lockdown. We also found that participants who sat while playing mobile video games were more likely to develop low back pain. However, one of the limiting factors could be prolonged sitting in virtual classes during the lockdown, which causes low back pain.

Predictors of gaming disorder in children and adolescents: a school-based study

Objective: To determine whether psychiatric and gaming pattern variables are associated with gaming disorder in a school-based sample. Methods: We analyzed data from the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort for Psychiatric Disorders, a community sample aged 10 to 18, using questionnaires on gaming use patterns. We applied the Gaming Addiction Scale to diagnose gaming disorder and the Development and Well-Being Behavior Assessment for other diagnoses. Results: Out of 407 subjects, 83 (20.4%) fulfilled the criteria for gaming disorder. More role-playing game players were diagnosed with gaming disorder that any other genre. Gaming disorder rates increased proportionally to the number of genres played. Playing online, being diagnosed with a mental disorder, and more hours of non-stop gaming were associated with higher rates of gaming disorder. When all variables (including age and gender) were considered in a logistic regression model, the number of genres played, the number of non-stop hours, the proportion of online games, and having a diagnosed mental disorder emerged as significant predictors of gaming disorder. Conclusion: Each variable seems to add further risk of gaming disorder among children and adolescents. Monitoring the length of gaming sessions, the number and type of genres played, time spent gaming online, and behavior changes may help parents or guardians identify unhealthy patterns of gaming behavior.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale - Short Form (IGDS9-SF) to the Brazilian context

Abstract Introduction The Internet Gaming Disorder Scale - Short Form (IGDS9-SF) assesses the severity, harmful effects and/or consequences of excessive online and offline gaming. Its conciseness and theoretical foundations on current diagnostic criteria of gaming disorders make it a useful resource for clinical and screening settings. Objective To describe the process of cross-cultural adaptation of the IGDS9-SF to the Brazilian context. Methods The cross-cultural adaptation involved the steps of independent translation of the instrument, synthesis version, back-translation, pre-test and elaboration of the final version. Content validity assessment was conducted by a multidisciplinary committee of experts and consisted of both a quantitative analysis (calculation of content validity coefficients - CVC) and a qualitative analysis (assessment of the experts' comments and suggestions). The pre-test sample consisted of 30 gamers with variable sociodemographic characteristics. Results The cross-cultural adaptation of the scale followed the proposed protocol, and the CVC was satisfactory (≥ 0.83) for all the structures and equivalences assessed. Most of the suggestions made by the experts were accepted (mainly adjustments and language standardization). The gamers who participated in the pre-test judged the scale easy to understand and did not suggest changes. Discussion The Brazilian version of the IGDS9-SF showed adequate content validity and is available for researchers and clinicians, as well as for the investigation of additional psychometric characteristics.

Trastorno por juego en Internet: ¿Existen diferencias en cuanto al género? / Internet gaming disorder: ¿Are there any gender differences?

La evidencia para el diagnóstico y el manejo del trastorno por juego en Internet está creciendo. Factores psicológicos y biológicos están involucrados en su etiopatogenia y estos factores pueden presentar diferentes niveles de contribución al trastorno dependiendo del género del paciente. Teniendo en cuenta que la tasa de individuos masculinos en comparación con la tasa femenina en el trastorno por juego en Internet es de aproximadamente 3:1 y que la mayoría de los estudios disponibles se realizan en poblaciones predominantemente masculinas, se realizó una revisión narrativa, no sistemática, centrada en literatura primaria y seleccionada de una búsqueda en las bases de datos PubMed y SciELO. Los términos clave que se utilizaron fueron los siguientes: "Internet Gaming Disorder" y "Internet Gaming Disorder and Gender". Todos los miembros del equipo de investigación participaron en la revisión de la literatura. Todo lo anterior se realizó a fin de presentar una imagen general sobre las diferencias de género en los juegos en línea, que pueda servir para mejorar los conocimientos de los trabajadores de la salud mental sobre este desafiante grupo de pacientes.

The body of evidence for Internet Gaming Disorder is growing. Both psychological and biological factors are involved in its etiopathogenesis and these factors may present different levels of contribution to the disorder depending on the gender of the patient. Taking into account that the rate of male individuals compared with the female rate in the Internet Gaming Disorder is about 3:1 and that most of the available studies are done in predominantly male populations, a non-systematic narrative review was done, focused on primary literature and selected from a search in PubMed and SciELO databases. The key terms used were: "Internet gaming disorder" and "Internet gaming disorder and gender". All members of the research team participated in the review of the literature. All the above was done in order to present a general picture about gender differences in online games, which can be used to improve the knowledge of mental health workers about this challenging group of patients.

Development and psychometric validation of Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short-Form (IGDS9-SF) in a Brazilian sample.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop and examine the psychometric properties of the IGDS9-SF in a sample of Brazilian gamers and to find the best cut-off point for this instrument using a normative and clinically diagnosed sample of gamers. METHODS: A total of 610 participants were recruited to the present study. Construct validity was assessed through Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (EFA, CFA). Criterion-related validity was established through the associations with Game Addiction Scale (GAS) and weekly gameplay. Reliability analysis was performed using the Cronbach's alpha (α) as the indicator of internal consistency. A cut-off point was estimated using the Receiver Operating Characteristics Curve (ROC curve) where the results of a clinical assessment was used as the gold standard. RESULTS: EFA and CFA findings confirmed the single-factor structure of the IGDS9-SF. Positive correlations indicated adequate criterion-related validity, and the scale was shown to be reliable (α=0.82). Finally, the optimal cut-off point for risky gaming was found to be >16 points and for diagnosis to be >21 points. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides validity and reliability evidence for the use of the Brazilian version of the IGDS9-SF in the assessment of Internet Gaming Disorder, further supporting its usefulness as a robust psychometric tool that can be employed in clinical and research settings in Brazil.

Internet and video game addictions: a cognitive behavioral approach / Dependência de Internet e de jogos eletrônicos: um enfoque cognitivo-comportamental

Background: While several benefits are attributed to the Internet and video games, an important proportion of the population presents symptoms related to possible new technological addictions and there has been little discussion of treatment of problematic technology use. Although demand for knowledge is growing, only a small number of treatments have been described. Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the literature, to establish Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a possible strategy for treating Internet and video game addictions. Method: The review was conducted in the following databases: Science Direct on Line, PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Clinical Trials Library, BVS and SciELO. The keywords used were: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; therapy; treatment; with association to the terms Internet addiction and video game addiction. Given the scarcity of studies in the field, no restrictions to the minimum period of publication were made, so that articles found until October 2013 were accounted. Results: Out of 72 articles found, 23 described CBT as a psychotherapy for Internet and video game addiction. The manuscripts showed the existence of case studies and protocols with satisfactory efficacy. Discussion: Despite the novelty of technological dependencies, CBT seems to be applicable and allows an effective treatment for this population.

Contexto: Enquanto diversos benefícios são atribuídos à Internet e aos jogos eletrônicos, uma importante parcela da população apresenta sintomas relacionados a possíveis novas dependências tecnológicas, e pouca discussão tem ocorrido sobre o tratamento do uso problemático de tecnologia. Embora a demanda por conhecimento esteja crescendo, apenas um pequeno número de tratamentos tem sido descrito. Objetivo: Conduzir uma revisão sistemática da literatura e estabelecer a Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental (TCC) como uma estratégia possível para o tratamento da dependência de Internet e de jogos eletrônicos. Método: A revisão foi conduzida nos seguintes bancos de dados: Science Direct on Line, PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Clinical Trials Library, BVS e SciELO. As palavras-chave utilizadas foram: Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental; terapia; tratamento; com associação aos termos Dependência de Internet e dependência de jogos eletrônicos. Dada a escassez de estudos no campo, não foram feitas restrições quanto ao período mínimo de publicação, de modo que os artigos encontrados até outubro de 2013 foram contabilizados. Resultados: Dos 72 artigos encontrados, 23 descreveram a TCC como uma psicoterapia para a dependência de Internet e de jogos eletrônicos. Os manuscritos mostraram a existência de estudos de caso e protocolos com eficácia satisfatória. Conclusões: Apesar da novidade das dependências tecnológicas, a TCC parece ser aplicável e permite um tratamento eficaz para esta população.