Lee, Hyunho Cheon, Dong Huey Lee, Heejin Pyeon, Arom Chun, Ji-Won Back, Ji Hyun Park, Yae Eun Choi, Hong Kim, Dai-Jin Lee, Ji Eun Choi, Jung-Seok 2025-12-19T09:00:16Z 2025-12-19T09:00:16Z 2025-12-19 2025-12 1738-3684 https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/153817 Objective Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a growing problem, particularly among adolescents. Although cocaine- and amphetamine- regulated transcript (CART) has been explored as a potential biomarker for addictive disorders, its relationship with IGD remains poorly understood. This study investigated the differences in serum CART levels between adolescents with IGD and healthy controls (HCs) in order to find potential biomarkers as a therapeutic target in IGD. Additionally, we investigated correlations of serum CART levels with personality traits within the IGD group. Methods A total of 114 adolescents participated in this study (43 in the IGD group and 71 in the HC group). Blood samples (10 mL) were collected and serum CART concentrations were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Participants also completed the Junior Temperament and Character Inventory. Results Serum CART levels in the IGD group were significantly lower than those in the HC group (p<0.05). IGD participants had higher novelty-seeking and harm-avoidance traits, accompanied by reduced persistence, self-directedness, and cooperativeness. Notably, a significant correlation emerged between serum CART levels and cooperativeness within the IGD group. Lower cooperativeness trait scores could indicate reduced social interaction. Conclusion The present findings suggest serum CART levels might serve as a neurobiological marker for cooperativeness function in adolescents with IGD. English 대한신경정신의학회 Serum Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript Levels and Cooperativeness in Adolescents With Internet Gaming Disorder Article 10.30773/pi.2025.0135 1 Psychiatry Investigation, v.22, no.12, pp.1416 - 1421 Psychiatry Investigation 22 12 1416 1421 Y scie ssci scopus kci 001633908800009 Psychiatry Psychiatry Article CART TEMPERAMENT CHARACTER ADDICTION Cocaine-and amphetamine-regulated transcript Personality Cooperativeness Internet gaming disorder