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The functional anatomy of impulse control disorders
Catharina C Probst1, Thilo van Eimeren
1Department of Neurology, Christian Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany. c.probst@neurologie.uni-kiel.de
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|August 22, 2013
Summary
Behavioral addictions, like gambling and compulsive eating, share brain mechanisms with substance use disorders (SUDs). Dopaminergic system changes in the brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Impulsive-compulsive disorders (ICDs) manifest as side effects of dopaminergic therapy in Parkinson's disease and occur in the general population.
- These ICDs, including pathological gambling, hypersexuality, compulsive eating, and shopping, are increasingly recognized as 'behavioral addictions'.
- Behavioral addictions share core features with substance use disorders (SUDs), characterized by compulsive engagement and impaired control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review neurobiological findings concerning behavioral addictions, with a specific emphasis on dopaminergic systems.
- To connect these findings with existing theories of SUDs.
- To propose an integrated conceptual framework incorporating genetic, neuroimaging, and behavioral data.
Main Methods:
- Review of animal and medication studies.
- Analysis of research findings in the Parkinson's disease population.
- Examination of neuroimaging data related to addictive behaviors.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests a common neurobiology underlying both behavioral addictions and SUDs.
- Alterations in the dopaminergic system within the mesocorticolimbic reward circuit are implicated in addiction.
- Dopaminergic pathways are central to the neurobiological underpinnings of compulsive behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral addictions and SUDs likely share common neurobiological pathways, particularly involving the dopaminergic system.
- The mesocorticolimbic reward system plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of addictive behaviors.
- An integrated approach combining genetic, neuroimaging, and behavioral data is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of behavioral addictions.
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