Open AccessAssociation of Internet gaming disorder with catechol‐O‐methyltransferase : Role of impulsivity and fun‐seeking
Author(s) -
Yen JuYu,
Lin PaiCheng,
Lin HuangChi,
Lin PeiYun,
Chou WeiPo,
Ko ChihHung
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
the kaohsiung journal of medical sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.439
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 2410-8650
pISSN - 1607-551X
DOI - 10.1002/kjm2.12454
Subject(s) - impulsivity , immunoglobulin d , catechol o methyl transferase , addiction , odds ratio , medicine , clinical psychology , psychological intervention , confidence interval , genotype , psychiatry , psychology , genetics , immunology , biology , b cell , antibody , gene
Dopamine functioning is an essential mechanism underlying addictive behaviors. This paper evaluates the association of Internet gaming disorder (IGD) with the catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) val158met polymorphism and examines the roles of impulsivity and reinforcement sensitivity in this association. Using diagnostic interviews, this study recruited 69 participants with IGD and 138 participants without. All participants underwent diagnostic interviews for IGD and an evaluation for the COMT val158met polymorphism, impulsivity, and reinforcement sensitivity. Among participants with the Val/Val genotype, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for IGD was 2.09 (1.15–3.80). The IGD–Val/Val genotype association was mediated by impulsivity and fun‐seeking. The Val/Val genotype is indicative of low frontal functioning and is a predictive factor of IGD, with this effect being confounded by impulsivity and fun‐seeking. Interventions targeting impulsivity and fun‐seeking might attenuate the risk of IGD, particularly among individuals with the Val/Val genotype. Additional studies are necessary to elucidate the possible role of dopamine functioning.