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Common Phenotype in Patients with Both Food and Substance Dependence: Case Reports
Hb Campbell1, M Oscar-Berman, J Giordano
1Department of Holistic Medicine, G&G Health care Services LLC, North Miami Beach, Florida ; A New Beginning PA, North Miami Beach, Florida.
Journal of Genetic Syndromes & Gene Therapy
|April 2, 2013
Summary
Genes influence reward dependence, linking food and drug addictions through Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS). Case studies suggest a common therapeutic approach targeting natural dopaminergic activation may be effective for both conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) links genes to reward dependence and addiction.
- Behavioral and drug addictions share underlying genetic predispositions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the commonality between food and drug addiction.
- To explore potential unified therapeutic strategies for these addictions.
Main Methods:
- Presentation of two human case reports detailing co-occurring food and drug addiction.
- Review of existing literature on Reward Deficiency Syndrome and addiction.
Main Results:
- Case reports provide evidence for a shared pathway between food and drug addiction.
- These findings challenge the traditional separation of behavioral and substance use disorders.
Conclusions:
- Food and drug addiction may share a common etiology rooted in genetic factors and RDS.
- Activating the brain's natural dopaminergic reward circuitry could offer a parsimonious therapeutic approach for both conditions.
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