A research study has shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a type of electronic medicine, is effective in treating internet game addiction. Dr. Kim Dae-jin, a professor of psychiatry, Dr. Ahn Guk-jin, a professor of radiology at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, and Dr. Jung Jo-eun, a professor of psychiatry at Daejeon St. Mary’s Hospital, revealed that the use of tDCS improved self-regulation abilities in 22 male patients in their 20s who were receiving treatment for internet game addiction.
tDCS is a form of neurostimulation that stimulates the prefrontal cortex by applying plus (+) and minus (-) electrode patches to the scalp. The participants underwent self-treatment for 30 minutes a day for two weeks.
Comparing functional MRI scans before and after treatment, the research team found that the connectivity between the anterior cingulate cortex and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the treatment group became stronger. The treatment group showed significantly improved self-regulation abilities compared to the control group and exhibited inhibited responses to addiction triggers.
Addiction disorders are brain diseases that arise from decreased prefrontal cortex function rather than lack of willpower or habit issues. However, there are currently no approved medications for treating game addiction.
The research team expected that tDCS, being non-invasive and exposing the body to current and electromagnetic waves at levels only 1/1000 of a smartphone’s exposure, would be safe for the human body with minimal concerns about side effects, making electronic medicine helpful for game addiction patients.
Professor Kim Dae-jin stated, “With the increasing approval of electronic medicines for therapeutic purposes by the U.S. FDA and the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, public interest and prescription cases are also rising. As electronic medicines have been proving effectiveness in various conditions like addiction, depression, and anxiety disorders in the field of psychiatry, we will strive to present safer and more effective treatment possibilities for patients through follow-up research.”