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Updated: Mar 21, 2026

Comprehensive Profiling of Dopamine Regulation in Substantia Nigra and Ventral Tegmental Area
Published on: August 10, 2012
Common Neurogenetic Diagnosis and Meso-Limbic Manipulation of Hypodopaminergic Function in Reward Deficiency Syndrome
Kenneth Blum1, Marcelo Febo, Rajendra D Badgaiyan
1Department of Psychiatry & McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Box 100183 Gainesville, FL, USA 32610-0183.
Background:
In 1990, Blum and associates provided the first confirmed genetic link between the DRD2 polymorphisms and alcoholism. This finding was based on an earlier conceptual framework, which served as a blueprint for their seminal genetic association discovery they termed "Brain Reward Cascade." These findings were followed by a new way of understanding all addictive behaviors (substance and non-substance) termed "Reward Deficiency Syndrome" (RDS). RDS incorporates a complex multifaceted array of inheritable behaviors that are polygenic.
Objective:
In this review article, we attempt to clarify these terms and provide a working model to accurately diagnose and treat these unwanted behaviors.
Method:
We are hereby proposing the development of a translational model we term "Reward Deficiency Solution System™" that incorporates neurogenetic testing and meso-limbic manipulation of a "hypodopaminergic" trait/state, which provides dopamine agonistic therapy (DAT) as well as reduced "dopamine resistance," while embracing "dopamine homeostasis."
Result:
The result is better recovery and relapse prevention, despite DNA antecedents, which could impact the recovery process and relapse. Understanding the commonality of mental illness will transform erroneous labeling based on symptomatology, into a genetic and anatomical etiology. WC: 184.
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