Slow-Wave EEG Activity Correlates with Impaired Inhibitory Control in Internet Addiction Disorder

Impaired inhibitory control is a core feature of internet addiction disorder (IAD). It is therefore of interest to determine the neurophysiological markers associated with it. The present study aimed to find such biomarkers with a resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG). We specifically used scores on the Chinese Internet Addiction Scale revised edition (CIAS-R) to divide 46 participants into two groups: the IAD group (>53, n = 23) and control group (<46, n = 23). Both behavioral aspects (Go/NoGo responses and impulsivity) and EEG were measured in the lab. The results suggest that the IAD group presented a decreased slow-wave (1-8 Hz) absolute power across the whole brain. The slow-wave activities in the frontal areas were also correlated with the commission error rate in the Go/NoGo task in the IAD group. These results imply that the frontal slow-wave EEG activity may serve as a neurophysiological marker of IAD, helping to understand the underlying neural mechanisms of inhibitory control deficits in IAD and point to possible interventions.

Automated summary

The present study found that individuals with Internet addiction disorder (IAD) have decreased slow-wave activity, particularly in the frontal areas, as indicated by the analysis of resting-state electroencephalography (EEG). Furthermore, the slow-wave activities in the frontal areas were correlated with the commission error rate in the Go/NoGo task in the IAD group. These findings suggest that the frontal slow-wave EEG activity may serve as a neurophysiological marker of IAD, providing insights into the underlying neural mechanisms of inhibitory control deficits and potential interventions.