Conceptual Issues Concerning Internet Addiction and Internet Gaming Disorder: Further Critique on Ryding and Kaye (2017)

The recent commentary paper by Ryding and Kaye Journal of Mental Health and Addiction (doi 10.1007/s11469-017-9811-6, 2017) rightly claimed that “internet addiction” (IA) is a conceptual minefield and raised some important issues for researchers and treatment providers working in the online addiction field. In the present commentary paper, some of the assertions made by Ryding and Kaye are briefly critiqued and extended. More specifically, the present paper (i) examines IA and Internet-based addictions and argues that IA is now a misnomer, (ii) examines IA and its relationship to Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and argues IA and IGD are two completely different constructs, and that IGD is a sub-type of gaming disorder rather than a sub-type of IA, (iii) argues that the time spent engaging in online activities is not a good criterion for assessing online addictions and that the context of use is far more important criterion, and (iv) argues that those researchers working in the IA field can learn a lot from the problem gambling field in collecting robust data. More specifically, one of the innovative ways forward could be to build strategic partnerships with commercial online companies to analyze their behavioral tracking data.     

Concerning neuroprotective therapy for Parkinson's disease

Studying potential neuroprotective therapy for Parkinson's disease is conceptually problematic because of the heterogenous nature of the Parkinson's syndrome and complexities in operational definitions for neuroprotection. The current literature concerning neuroprotection provides no convincing evidence of any treatment as definitively neuroprotective in Parkinson's disease. Recent clinical trials and novel trial designs are reviewed that may identify meaningful therapy, resulting in maintenance of neurological function and quality of life for persons with Parkinson's disease.     

Source localization (LORETA) of the error-related-negativity (ERN/Ne) and positivity (Pe)

We investigated error processing of 39 subjects engaging the Eriksen flanker task. In all 39 subjects a pronounced negative deflection (ERN/Ne) and a later positive component (Pe) were observed after incorrect as compared to correct responses. The neural sources of both components were analyzed using LORETA source localization. For the negative component (ERN/Ne) we found significantly higher brain electrical activity in medial prefrontal areas for incorrect responses, whereas the positive component (Pe) was localized nearby but more rostral within the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Thus, different neural generators were found for the ERN/Ne and the Pe, which further supports the notion that both error-related components represent different aspects of error processing.     

Indications and Technique of Thoracic(2) and Thoracic(3 )Neurolysis

This article reviews the technique of thoracic (T)(2) and T(3) sympathetic ganglion block and neurolysis. Historic aspects of this technique are described. The concept of radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC) of T(2) and T(3) is discussed and the technique is detailed. This procedure is useful for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), vascular compromise, and neuropathic pain syndromes of upper extremities. It is an alternative to stellate ganglion ablation and may be useful for patients with sympathetically maintained pain who have persistent pain after stellate ganglion procedures.