Caudate nucleus volume mediates the link between glutamatergic neurotransmission and problematic smartphone use in youth

• DOI: 10.1556/2006.2021.00024
• Publication Date: 2021-04-28T16:51:43Z
• Authors: Jae Hyun Yoo; Ji-Won Chun; Mi Ran Choi; Hyun Cho; Jin-Young Kim; Jihye Choi; Dai-Jin Kim
• Keywords: Caudate nucleus; Putamen

Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is growing rapidly among teens. It has similar presentations as other behavioral addictions in terms of excessive use, impulse control problems, and negative consequences. However, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain undiscovered. We hypothesized that structural changes striatum might serve an important link between alteration glutamate signaling development PSU.Among 88 participants, twenty (F:M, 12:8; age 16.2 ± 1.1) reported high scores addiction proneness scale (SAPS) with a cut-off score 42; 68 19:49; 15.3 1.7) comprised group. Sociodemographic data depression, anxiety, impulsivity traits were measured. Striatal volumes (caudate, putamen, nucleus accumbens) estimated from T1 imaging data. Serum levels peripheral blood samples. Group comparisons each performed after controlling for gender. Mediation analyses conducted to test indirect effects level on PSU through striatal volumetric alteration.The group showed decrease both caudate than Left volume was positively correlated serum level, negatively SAPS scores. The mediation model revealed significant effect SAS reduced left volume.This study suggests altered glutamatergic neurotransmission may be associated teens, possibly volume. Current findings support neural addiction.