Research Projects
Neuromodulation for Internet Gaming Disorder


Programme(s) to which this project applies:
☑ MPhil/PhD ☒ MRes[Med] ☒ URIS

Our research, situated within a neurobiological framework of addiction, seeks to unravel the complex mechanisms underlying Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), a pressing public health concern affecting approximately 14.1% of secondary students in Hong Kong. This framework allows for a focus on the disturbed neural circuits that contribute to impaired top-down cognitive control and heightened craving. We are especially interested in the neurophysiological markers of treatment response, disruptions to which manifest as persistent addictive behaviors and clinical symptoms. Our goal is to develop and evaluate novel home-based therapeutic strategies that combine non-invasive neuromodulation with multidisciplinary behavioral techniques to address the intricacies of IGD. The adolescent and young adult phase is a pivotal period for brain development and a crucial window for early detection and intervention. Current first-line psychological treatments often face significant implementation barriers in Hong Kong, including a shortage of trained practitioners and intensive time requirements that can lead to low acceptance among youth. Our project aims to deliver critical insights into targeted interventions that are both scalable and accessible within the local healthcare system. Through this research, we aspire to transform the clinical landscape for youth with behavioral addictions by validating a novel care model that bridges specialized psychiatric support with home-based maintenance.

Professor TH Lai, Department of Psychiatry

Dr. Eric Tsz-him Lai is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong (HKU), and serves as an Honorary Associate Consultant in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Queen Mary Hospital. Dr. Lai graduated from the University of Cambridge with a bachelor's degree in Physics and a master's in Computational Biology, before completing his medical degree at HKU. He became a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 2021 and was awarded Fellowship and the President’s Prize from the Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists in 2024. Before his current appointment, he was an Associate Consultant at Kwai Chung Hospital. 

Biography
ORCID
ethlai@hku.hk

For more information or to express interest for this project, please email the supervisor or the specified contact point in the project description.  Interested candidates are advised to enclose with your email:

  1. your CV,
  2. a brief description of your research interest and experience, and
  3. two reference letters (not required for HKUMed UG students seeking MRes[Med]/URIS projects).

Information on the research programme, funding support and admission documentations could be referenced online at the Research Postgraduate Admissions website. General admission enquiries should be directed to rpgmed@hku.hk.

HKUMed MBBS students interested in the Master of Research in Medicine (MRes[Med]) programme may visit the programme website for more information.  

HKUMed UG students interested in the Undergraduate Research Internship Scheme (URIS) may visit the scheme’s website for more information. 

Research @ Department of Psychiatry