Working memory performance in disordered gambling and gaming: A systematic review

Background: Converging evidence supports that gaming and gambling disorders are associated with executive dysfunction. The involvement of different components of executive functions (EF) in these forms of behavioural addiction is unclear. 

Aim: In a systematic review, we aim to uncover the association between working memory (WM), a crucial component of EF, and disordered gaming and gambling. Note that, in the context of this review, gaming has been used synonymously with video gaming. 

Methods: Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), we systematically searched for studies published from 2012 onwards. 

Results: The search yielded 6081 records after removing duplicates, from which 17 peer-reviewed journal articles were eligible for inclusion. The association between WM and problem or disordered gaming and gambling have been categorized separately to observe possible differences. Essentially, problem gaming or gambling, compared to disorder, presents lesser severity and clinical significance. The results demonstrate reduced auditory-verbal WM in individuals with gambling disorder. Decreased WM capacity was also associated with problem gambling, with a correlation between problem gambling severity and decreased WM capacity. Similarly, gaming disorder was associated with decreased WM. Specifically, gaming disorder patients had lower WM capacity than the healthy controls. 

Conclusion: Working memory seems to be a significant predictor of gambling and gaming disorders. Therefore, holistic treatment approaches that incorporate cognitive techniques that could enhance working memory may significantly boost gambling and gaming disorders treatment success.