Mechanism of BCI-Based Dual-Target Neurofeedback Training in Improving Cognitive Control Deficits in Internet Gaming Disorder

Addressing the three core issues in research on cognitive control deficits in Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD)-unclear neural mechanisms, limited intervention targets, and poor patient compliance-this project innovatively constructs a pathological model of IGD characterized by "decline in social rewards → dysfunction of the dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex-Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (dACC-DLPFC) cognitive control circuit → abnormalities in the frontal midline theta rhythm (Fmθ)." The investigators have developed a dual-target intervention system that integrates neurofeedback with social reward substitution, transforming social rewards into therapeutic reinforcers to enhance the effectiveness of the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals aged between 18 and 35 years, irrespective of gender, having completed a minimum of 9 years of education and capable of effectively cooperating in questionnaire evaluations * Consent to actively cooperate in the completion of subsequent follow-up assessments * Right-handed * The Gaming Disorder Screening (GDSS) Scale score ≥ 47 points * Average weekly gaming time greater than 21 hours, maintained for over one year * More than 50% of daily internet time spent playing online games Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive functional impairments manifested through a history of head trauma, cerebrovascular diseases, epilepsy, etc., or usage of cognitive enhancement drugs in the past 6 months * Left-handed * An intellectual disability with an IQ score less than 70 * A diagnosis of schizophrenia or other severe mental illnesses as per the DSM-5 criteria * Abuse or dependence on other psychoactive substances (excluding nicotine) within the past 5 years * Severe organic diseases that might compromise study participation * Color blindness or color weakness