Aviv Weinstein

Ariel University · Department of Psychology

How the Internet is used and any negative outcomes of engagement with it—especially with regards to children—is a topic of great interest, bearing legitimate investigation. Proposed identifiers of problematic internet use(PIU) include aspects of use in correlation with distress or impairment across biological, psychological, sociological, and/or oc...

Background and aims Compulsive Sexual Behaviour (CSB), defined as a persistent failure to control repetitive sexual impulses, has been discussed as a pathological phenomenon for centuries. Various terms, such as excessive sexual behaviour, hyper-sexuality, compulsive sexual behaviour disorder (CSBD), or sexual addiction (SA), have been used to desc...

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is an emerging public health concern; effective treatments are still under development. This mini-review focuses on summarizing the main scientific evidence from psychological, pharmacological, brain imaging, and emerging treatment approaches for IGD. We searched PubMed and Scopus databases using keywords related to I...

There is increased risk of psychosis associated with cannabis use disorder and the interaction of THC with dopamine neurotransmission is complex. It is important to investigate the recovery from cannabis-induced psychosis and its effects on the brain’s dopamine neurotransmission. This study was to evaluate dopamine receptor D2 availability in the s...

Editorial on the Research Topic Excessive and problematic smartphone usage, volume II

Over the past 20 years there has been an increasing number of brain imaging studies on the mechanisms underlying reward motivation in humans. This narrative review describes studies on the neural mechanisms associated with reward motivation and their relationships with cognitive function in healthy human participants. The brain's meso-limbic dopami...

Psychoactive agents and mental disorders in lone-actor terrorism

Problematic social network use

This narrative overview summarises the work on exercise addiction (EA) over the past 12 years and exposes critical conceptual and methodological issues. More than 1000 articles exist on EA, conceptualised as uncontrolled training harming the individual. Still, EA has no clinical diagnosis criteria at this time. Research is increasing continuously,...

The association between excessive use of Social Networking Sites (SNS) and mental health is raising serious concern among health and education professionals. Problematic SNS use has been associated with an increased rate of depression, anxiety, stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and propens...

There is evidence that compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) is linked with childhood trauma in women and men. This study has investigated the relationships between childhood abuse and neglect and compulsive sexual behavior in a mostly female sample who use dating applications for sex. Participants were 200 adults (164 women and 36 men) mean age 26.88 y...

During the past two years, there was an increasing number of neuroimaging studies of adolescents and young adults with Internet gaming disorder (IGD). IGD is associated with reduced metabolism in the prefrontal–cingulate cortices and increased brain activity in areas mediating craving, reward, craving, emotions, and sensory–motor processing. IGD se...

This chapter reviews the impact of psychoactive substances, examining their physiological and psychological effects on lone-actor terrorism. Initially, it introduces the emerging concept of “pharmacoterrorism,” in both lone-actor and organized terror scenarios. The almost symbiotic relationship between mental illness and psychoactive substances can...

There is evidence that compulsive sexual behaviour (CSB) and problematic pornography use (PPU) can be associated with self-criticism, shame and guilt. The aim of the current study was to investigate further these relationships. Study 1-Participants were 121 adults, mean age 26.82 years (18-45), 58 males and 63 females. They filled in a demographic...

Background and Aims: This present paper will review the existing evidence on the effects of excessive smartphone use on physical and mental health. Results: Comorbidity with depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD and alcohol use disorder. Excessive smartphone use is associated with difficulties in cognitive-emotion regulation, impulsivity, impaired cogniti...

Background and aims Following the recognition of ‘internet gaming disorder’ (IGD) as a condition requiring further study by the DSM‐5, ‘gaming disorder’ (GD) was officially included as a diagnostic entity by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the eleventh revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐11). However, the proposed d...

There is a growing body of evidence pointing to the co-occurrence of cannabis use and depression. There is also some evidence that the use of cannabis may lead to the onset of depression; however, strong evidence points to the inverse association; i.e. that depression may lead to the onset or increase in cannabis use frequency. Observational and ep...

Background and aims Compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) has been a long debated issue. While formerly the discussion was about whether to regard CSBD as a distinctive disorder, the current debate is dealing with the classification of this phenomenon. One of the prominent voices in this field considers CSBD as a behavioral addiction and propo...

Background We have recently shown that chronic use of Synthetic Cannabinoids (SCs) has been associated with mood disorders and impairments in executive functions. There is also evidence indicating that chronic SC users have higher rates of comorbidity with depression and psychotic symptoms. Here, we investigate performance on executive function and...

This review summarizes studies on the neurobiological correlates of internet gaming disorder (IGD), presently the most direct approach to analyzing the impact of digital technology and the internet on brain mechanisms. Brain imaging studies have shown that IGD shares, to a large extent, neurobiological alterations that are typical for other addicti...

Background The worldwide coronavirus outbreak has put hospital workers under extreme stress with possible mental health problems. In this context, we decided to rapidly design and implement a psychological support system for all hospital workers in Paris during the Covid-19 outbreak. Methods We built a hotline in 3 days using the following steps:...

Objective Chronic use of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) has been associated with a wide range of negative consequences for health including psychotic and affective disturbances. Accumulating evidence indicates that cannabinoids use may be a risk factor for schizophrenia, and chronic natural cannabis users score higher than non-users on measures of sc...

Background and aims Compulsive sexual behavior is characterized by extensive sexual behavior and unsuccessful efforts to control excessive sexual behavior. The aim of the studies was to investigate compulsivity, anxiety and depression and impulsivity and problematic online sexual activities among adult males and females who use the Internet for fin...

Problematic smartphone use is the excessive use of the smartphone with negative impacts on the quality of life of the user. We investigated the association between social anxiety and excessive smartphone use. The sample consisted of 140 participants, 73 male and 67 female university students with a mean age of 26 years and 4 months (SD = 3.38), who...

Being an army reservist involves stress and uncertainty. While some individuals use exercise to cope with stress, no previous research has ever studied the relationship between army reservists exercise habits and perceived stress. The current study examined the hypothesis that Israeli army reserves in combat roles would report greater perceived str...

Any queries or remarks that have arisen during the processing of your manuscript are listed below and are highlighted by flags in the proof. (AU indicates author queries; ED indicates editor queries; and TS/TY indicates typesetter queries.) Please check your proof carefully and answer all AU queries. Mark all corrections and query answers at the ap...

Background: There is a high rate of ADHD among individuals with compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD). There is also evidence for an association between compulsive sexual behavior disorder, sensation seeking and attachment difficulties. Problematic pornography use may be considered as a subtype of CSBD hence it merits investigation. The aim o...

Recreational and chronic cannabis use has been associated with a range of acute and chronic effects including; anti‐nociceptive actions, anxiety, depression, psychotic symptoms and neurocognitive impairments. The mechanisms underlying cannabinoid‐based drugs effects are not fully known but given the neuro‐modulatory functions of the endocannabinoid...

Any queries or remarks that have arisen during the processing of your manuscript are listed below and are highlighted by flags in the proof. (AU indicates author queries; ED indicates editor queries; and TS/TY indicates typesetter queries.) Please check your proof carefully and answer all AU queries. Mark all corrections and query answers at the ap...

Cannabis is the most popular illicit drug in the Western world. Repeated cannabis use has been associated with short and long‐term side effects including respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, cognitive alterations, psychosis, schizophrenia and mood disorders. However, casual relations between cannabis use and these adverse effects are missing....

The phenomenon of buying-shopping disorder (BSD) was described over 100 years ago. Definitions of BSD refer to extreme preoccupation with shopping and buying, to impulses to purchase that are experienced as irresistible, and to recurrent maladaptive buying excesses that lead to distress and impairments. Efforts to stop BSD episodes are unsuccessful...

In their critical review, Griffiths et al. (2018) discussed 10 myths in the study of work addiction, and addressed the need to conceptualize and investigate this area of research more carefully. In this commentary, we expand their arguments, suggesting that indeed some of the popular myths have solid evidence-based results in the organizational lit...

IGD

Background and aims: Sex addiction is characterized by excessive sexual activity on the Internet. We have investigated the contribution of the Big Five personality factors and sex differences to sex addiction. Methods: A total of 267 participants (186 males and 81 females) were recruited from Internet sites that are used for finding sexual partn...

Background and aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between exercise addiction, abnormal eating attitudes, anxiety, and depression among competitive and amateur athletes. Methods: Participants were 100 athletes of mean age 28.3 years (18-62), of which there were 67 males and 35 females. The sample consisted of competit...

Background and aims: There is an increasing use of the Internet for dating and sexual purpose. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of social anxiety and sensation seeking to ratings of sex addiction among those who use dating Internet sites. Methods: A total of 279 participants (128 males and 151 females), with overall mean...

There is an increasing use of "Novel Psychoactive Substances" containing synthetic cannabinoids worldwide. Synthetic cannabinoids (SC) are highly addictive and cause severe adverse effects. The purpose of our study was to assess whether chronic use of SC alters brain volume and function. Fifteen SC chronic users and 15 healthy control participants...

The proposed introduction of gaming disorder (GD) in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) has led to a lively debate over the past year. Besides the broad support for the decision in the academic press, a recent publication by van Rooij et al. (2018) repeated the...

There is a growing use of novel psychoactive substances containing synthetic cannabinoids. Synthetic cannabinoid products have effects similar to those of natural cannabis, yet, these drugs are more potent and dangerous, and have been associated with dangerous adverse effects. Here, we review current literature on the epidemiology, acute, and chron...

Background-Cannabis is the most popular illicit drug in the Western world. Repeated cannabis use has been associated with short and long-term range of adverse effects. Recently, new types of designer-drugs containing synthetic cannabinoids have been widespread. These synthetic cannabinoid drugs are associated with undesired adverse effects similar...

The proposed introduction of gaming disorder (GD) in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) has led to a lively debate over the past year. Besides the broad support for the decision in the academic press, a recent publication by van Rooij et al. (2018) repeated the...

There are a growing number of studies on structural and functional brain mechanisms underlying Internet gaming disorder (IGD). Recent functional magnetic resonance imaging studies showed that IGD adolescents and adults had reduced gray matter volume in regions associated with attention motor coordination executive function and perception. Adolescen...

As part of an increasing worldwide use of designer drugs, recent use of compounds containing cathinones and synthetic cannabinoids is especially prevalent. Here, we reviewed current literature on the prevalence, epidemiology, bio-behavioral effects, and detection of these compounds. Gender differences and clinical effects will also be examined. Chr...

Background and aims: There is a growing use of novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) including synthetic cannabinoids. Synthetic cannabinoid products have effects similar to those of natural cannabis but the new synthetic cannabinoids are more potent and dangerous and their use has resulted in various adverse effects. The purpose of the study was t...

There is evidence that the neural mechanisms underlying Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) resemble those of drug addiction. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) studies of the resting state and measures of gray matter volume have shown that Internet game playing was associated with changes to brain regions responsible for attention and control...

Compulsive buying is chronic, repetitive purchasing that becomes a primary response to negative events and feelings. It is associated with craving and withdrawal and it is characterized by euphoria and/or relief from negative emotions. The prevalence rates of compulsive buying vary between 1% and 8% worldwide. Most studies report higher prevalence...

Background and aims There is a previous evidence for impulsivity in individuals with Internet and Video Gaming Disorders. The aim of this study was to examine whether Internet and video game addictions are associated with experiential delay discounting, risk-taking, and sensitivity to social rejection using computerized tasks and questionnaires. M...

Any queries or remarks that have arisen during the processing of your manuscript are listed below and are highlighted by flags in the proof. (AU indicates author queries; ED indicates editor queries; and TS/TY indicates typesetter queries.) Please check your proof carefully and answer all AU queries. Mark all corrections and query answers at the ap...

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug worldwide. Regular cannabis use has been associated with a range of acute and chronic mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, psychotic symptoms and neurocognitive impairments and their neural mechanisms need to be examined. This review summarizes and critically evaluates brain-imaging stud...

Background and objectives: In an effort to help identify factors that maintain heavy smoking, this study tested the association of pretreatment cigarette use (cigarettes per day) with striatal dopamine release during smoking-cessation treatment. Methods: Thirteen regular smokers (≥10 cigarettes per day) were evaluated on parameters of smoking be...

Neuropathology of Drug Addictions and Substance Misuse, Volume 3: General Processes and Mechanisms, Prescription Medications, Caffeine and Areca, Polydrug Misuse, Emerging Addictions and Non-Drug Addictions is the third of three volumes in this informative series and offers a comprehensive examination of the adverse consequences of the most common...

Background and Aims Exercise and physical activity are beneficial both physically and psychologically but a few individuals use exercise excessively resulting in physical and even psychological damage. There is evidence for bi-directional relationship between exercise with depression and anxiety showing that exercise can reduce anxiety and depressi...

Background: Use of the internet and videogames by children and adolescents has risen dramatically over the last decade. Increasing evidence of internet and videogame addiction among children is causing concern due to its harmful physical, emotional and social consequences. There is also emerging evidence for an association between computer and vide...

This title explains the rationale for changes in the DSM-5® related to incorporating behavioral addictions alongside substance use disorders; it also illuminates the significance of including the construct of behavioral addictions in this widely used psychiatric diagnostic manual. The chapters herien describe eight behaviors often considered addict...

Sexual addiction otherwise known as compulsive sexual behavior is associated with serious psychosocial problems and risk-taking behavior. This study used the Cybersex addiction test, Craving for pornography questionnaire, and a Questionnaire on intimacy among 267 participants (192 males and 75 females) mean age for males 28.16 (SD = 6.8) and for fe...

We investigated a group of 60 women who participated in the Compulsive Eating Anonymous self-help group using the 12-step program to handle compulsive eating. Measures of food craving, anxiety, depression, and self-efficacy were taken for participants at the beginning of the program, after 1 year in the program, and after 5 years in the program. Re...

The Internet and related technologies have reconfigured every aspect of life, including mental health. Although the negative and positive effects of digital technology on mental health have been debated, all too often this has been done with much passion and few or no supporting data. This title addresses threats resulting from the growing reliance...

Impulsivity is raising major interest clinically because it is associated with various clinical conditions such as delinquency, antisocial behavior, suicide attempts, aggression, and criminal activity. The evolutionary perspective argued that impulsivity relates to self-regulation and it has predicted that female individuals should have evolved a g...

Background and aims: Sexual addiction, also known as hypersexual disorder, is associated with serious psychosocial problems for many people. Methods: This study used questionnaires to investigate the effects of gender, sexual orientation and attachment (avoidance and anxiety) on sexual compulsion among 100 heterosexual and homosexual men and wom...

Background There is emerging evidence that the psychobiological mechanisms underlying behavioral addictions such as internet and videogame addiction resemble those of addiction for substances of abuse.Objectives Review of brain imaging, treatment and genetic studies on videogame and internet addiction.Methods Literature search of published articles...

Problematic Internet use or excessive Internet use is characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges, or behaviors regarding computer use, and Internet access that leads to impairment or distress. Cross-sectional studies on samples of patients reported high comorbidity of Internet addiction with psychiatric disorders, especia...

According to the World Health Organization, unipolar depression was the third most important cause of disease worldwide in 2004. The faculty of this lesson review available treatment options, describe unmet needs, recommend augmentation strategies, and discuss some of the newer treatment options. Untreated postpartum depression (PPD) poses a threat...

Sexual addiction, which is also known as hypersexual disorder, has largely been ignored by psychiatrists, even though the condition causes serious psychosocial problems for many people. A lack of empirical evidence on sexual addiction is the result of the disease's complete absence from versions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Di...

Gambling behavior is not a unique behavior. There are certain differences in behavior, gambling habits, gambling beliefs, and their reflection in psychosocial life. We have compared three groups of adult male gamblers-sports gamblers (n = 41), machine gamblers (n = 36), and poker gamblers (n = 35)-in regard to measures of personal status and legal-...

Problematic Internet use (PIU) or Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) is characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges, or behaviors regarding Internet use that lead to impairment or distress. Due to the increased use of the Internet over the past 15 years, IAD has attracted attention of researchers and clinicians in the field...

Background: Cannabis is the most frequently used illegal substance in the United States and Europe. There is a dramatic increase in the demand for treatment for cannabis dependence. Cannabis users frequently have co-morbid mood symptoms, especially depression and anxiety, and regular cannabis users may self-medicate for such symptoms. Objectives:...

Problematic Internet use (PIU) or Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) is characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges, or behaviors regarding Internet use that lead to impairment or distress. Due to the increased use of the Internet over the past 15 years, IAD has attracted attention of researchers and clinicians in the field...

Background: Cannabis is the most frequently used illegal substance in the United States and Europe. There is a dramatic increase in the demand for treatment for cannabis dependence. Cannabis users frequently have co-morbid mood symptoms, especially depression and anxiety, and regular cannabis users may self-medicate for such symptoms. Objectives: W...

Any queries or remarks that have arisen during the processing of your manuscript are listed below and are highlighted by flags in the proof. (AU indicates author queries; ED indicates editor queries; and TS/TY indicates typesetter queries.) Please check your proof carefully and answer all AU queries. Mark all corrections and query answers at the ap...

Shopping addiction is a frequent and often underrecognized form of behavioral addiction. For shopping addicts, buying becomes uncontrolled and repetitive and leads to severe financial and psychological consequences. Addicts do not buy only items they need or they like. They also experiment craving for buying clothes or other items that they do not...

To evaluate the impaired attention selection (Stroop interference effect) and general performance [reaction times (RTs)] on the Stroop task among methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), pathological gambling (PG), both PG/OCD or none, and the influence if having ADHD. Eighty-six patients and 15 contr...

Background There is emerging evidence that the psychobiological mechanisms underlying behavioral addictions such as internet and videogame addiction resemble those of addiction for substances of abuse. Objectives Review of brain imaging, treatment and genetic studies on videogame and internet addiction. Methods Literature search of published articl...

Exercise and sports activity is beneficial both physically and psychologically but excessive exercise may have adverse physiological and psychological effects. There are methodological issues in the definition, diagnosis and etiology of exercise addiction. Several questionnaires and diagnostic tools have been developed and validated and they show h...