BMC psychiatry
Epigenetics of generalized internet use disorder including data on overuse of social media: a closer look at the SLC6A4, NR3C1 and OXT genes
By Montag C, Kiefer M, Connemann BJ and 2 others.
Abstract
Background
Only few studies so far have investigated the molecular underpinnings of Internet Use Disorders (IUD), which can shed light on the neurochemical basis of excessive online behaviors. There are even less epigenetic studies in this research field, and longitudinal evidence is even more scarce.
Methods
The present study investigated in n = 83 depressed patients and n = 83 healthy controls potential links between DNA-methylation of three candidate genes (serotonin transporter gene SLC6A4, glucocorticoid receptor gene NR3C1 and gene coding for oxytocin OXT) known to play a role in affective disorders and self-reported excessive Internet and problematic social media use over a two-week period.