Reduced striatal dopamine D2 receptors in people with Internet addiction

Neuroreport. 2011 Jun 11;22(8):407-11. doi: 10.1097/WNR.0b013e328346e16e.

Abstract

An increasing amount of research has suggested that Internet addiction is associated with abnormalities in the dopaminergic brain system. We hypothesized that Internet addiction would be associated with reduced levels of dopaminergic receptor availability in the striatum compared with controls. To test this hypothesis, a radiolabeled ligand [C]raclopride and positron emission tomography was used to assess dopamine D2 receptor binding potential in men with and without Internet addiction. Consistent with our prediction, individuals with Internet addiction showed reduced levels of dopamine D2 receptor availability in subdivisions of the striatum including the bilateral dorsal caudate and right putamen. This finding contributes to the understanding of neurobiological mechanism of Internet addiction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Behavior, Addictive / diagnostic imaging*
  • Behavior, Addictive / metabolism
  • Behavior, Addictive / physiopathology
  • Corpus Striatum / diagnostic imaging*
  • Corpus Striatum / metabolism
  • Corpus Striatum / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2 / analysis*
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2 / biosynthesis
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Receptors, Dopamine D2