Smartphone addiction could affect the brain

Researchers are studying the influence of online addiction on brain chemistry

Excessive use of the Internet and smart phones may affect the brain. This is the finding of researchers from Korea University in Seoul. In a pilot study, the scientists examined a total of 38 young people and were able to demonstrate impairment of the neurochemistry of the brain among the adolescents classified as "dependent". The work was presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago.

Number of internet addicts is increasing

A day without a smartphone is hard to imagine for many people. Although the devices provide relief and comfort in many areas of life, overuse can quickly become a danger. Because more and more people are affected by online addiction. Especially young people are at high risk of slipping into a smartphone dependency. This can, among other things, bring with it problems in the school and social area. Korean scientists have now discovered that excessive use of the Internet and cell phones may also affect adolescent brain chemistry.

Korean researchers have shown an association between online addiction and changes in brain chemistry of young people. (Image: Syda Productions / fotolia.com)

Experts warn against increasing online addiction among adolescents

More and more adolescents are threatening internet addiction - experts have long warned against this. In studies on this topic, the main focus has been on the possible consequences of social dependence. The team around neuroradiologist Hyung Suk Seo from Korea University in Seoul has now investigated whether and to what extent excessive use of the Internet and smartphone also affects the brain's chemical process.

Nearly 40 adolescents examined

The study involved 19 young women and men (mean age 15.5 years) diagnosed with Internet or smartphone dependence, the Radiological Society of North America reported in a recent release. The control group consisted of 19 adolescents of age and sex without online dependency. Twelve of the addicted adolescents received nine weeks of cognitive-behavioral therapy as part of the study, which was a modification of a cognitive therapy program for gambling addiction.

Measurement of the degree of dependence

The researchers used standardized internet and smartphone addiction tests to measure the severity of dependency. The focus was on the extent to which the internet and smartphone influence everyday life, social life, productivity, sleeping habits and feelings.

"The higher the score, the harder the addiction", explains Prof. Seo according to the message. Already in these tests, the experts had shown that the dependent young people had significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and impulsivity.

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy allows insight into brain chemistry

In the next step, the researchers conducted investigations using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to gain insight into the brain chemistry of study participants. MRS is a special process that identifies and measures various chemical substances (metabolites) in living tissue.

In the investigation, the researchers focused on the two neurotransmitters gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glx). Previous studies have shown that GABA is involved in the visual and motor control and regulation of various brain functions, including anxiety, according to the Communication.

Imbalance between GABA and Glx

The researchers came to an interesting conclusion: In the smartphone and Internet dependent subjects was thus compared to the control group that the ratio of GABA to Glx in the so-called anterior cingulate cortex was significantly increased before therapy. The shift correlated significantly with the extent of the Internet and smartphone dependence of the subjects and their tendency to depression and anxiety, the experts report. Too much GABA can cause a number of side effects, including drowsiness and anxiety.

Therapy can balance the relationships again

But the scientists also have good news: The brain scan also showed that the ratios of GABA to Glx in the addicted adolescents had significantly reduced or normalized after cognitive behavioral therapy. "The elevated levels of GABA and the dysregulation between GABA and glutamate in the anterior cingulate cortex may contribute to our understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of addictions," said Drs. Seo.

Follow-up studies necessary

Now scientists need further study to understand the clinical implications of the results. Dr. However, Seo and his colleagues believe that elevated levels of GABA in the anterior cingulate gyrus may negatively affect emotional and cognitive processes among Internet and smartphone addicts, Korea University reports. (No)