Transdisciplinary concepts and measures of craving: commentary and future directions

A new theoretical model of craving is needed that uses a common language and standardized measures. The new conceptual model must fully integrate discoveries from cellular biology, neuroscience, animal and human laboratory, cognitive-behavioral social learning and socio-cultural disciplines. A transdisciplinary synthesis can then guide methods and measurement development. Mapping the structural pathways and interactions among mediators and moderators of craving will improve the diagnostic and prognostic tools in order to inform new treatments and prevention strategies.