Gaming disorder and bidirectional relationships with aggression and impulsivity

Gaming disorder was recently formalized by the World Health Organization. A series of behavioral and neurobiological studies have increasingly highlighted the crucial role of aggression and impulsivity in this addictive behavior. Evidence of the bidirectional relationships between aggression, impulsivity, and gaming disorder is also emerging from research into frontolimbic dysfunction. While biologic vulnerability plays a major role in impulsivity, relevant studies suggest a possible link between aggression and gaming disorder, commonly mediated by early life stress. We hypothesize that neural adaptation, which might have been a defense against early adverse environments, may later become maladaptive and put individuals at risk of developing gaming disorder. We also suggest areas of potential future research to address aggression and impulsivity for better clinical outcomes.