Related Experiment Videos
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors decrease impulsive behavior as measured by an adjusting delay procedure in
Mary C Wolff1, J David Leander
1Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA. wolff_mary_c@lilly.com
Summary
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) show promise in reducing impulsive behavior by increasing delayed gratification. Combining SSRIs with a 5-HT(1A) agonist may accelerate these therapeutic effects.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Animal models of impulsivity
Background:
- Impulsive behavior, characterized by an inability to delay gratification, is a significant concern.
- Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of impulsivity is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of various pharmacological agents on the delay of gratification in pigeons.
- To explore the potential of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and their interaction with 5-HT(1A) receptor modulators in modulating impulsive behavior.
Main Methods:
- Development of an adjustable delay schedule to measure indifference points for delayed reinforcement in pigeons.
- Acute and chronic administration of alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, 8-OH-DPAT (5-HT(1A) agonist), WAY100635 (5-HT(1A) antagonist), and SSRIs (fluoxetine, citalopram, paroxetine).
Main Results:
- Acute anxiolytics (alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide) decreased tolerated delay periods.
- Chronic SSRI administration (fluoxetine, citalopram, paroxetine) significantly increased delay periods, indicating reduced impulsivity.
- Co-administration of fluoxetine with a 5-HT(1A) agonist, but not an antagonist, accelerated the increase in delay tolerance.
Conclusions:
- Chronic SSRI treatment effectively reduces impulsive behavior in this animal model.
- The addition of a 5-HT(1A) agonist may enhance and hasten the therapeutic effects of SSRIs in treating impulsivity.