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Similarities and Differences in Neurobiology.
Manli Chen1,2, Yan Sun2, Lin Lu3
1Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|November 4, 2017
Summary
Substance and non-substance addictions share neurobiological similarities, involving key brain systems like dopamine and serotonin. Differences may exist in how these systems contribute to each addiction type.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Substance addiction is a chronic brain disease marked by compulsive drug use.
- Non-substance addiction involves compulsive engagement in activities despite negative consequences.
- Both addiction types may share underlying biological, clinical, and genetic features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare the neurobiological similarities and differences between substance and non-substance addictions.
- To focus on the roles of specific neurotransmitter systems in both addiction types.
Main Methods:
- Comparative neurobiological review.
- Focus on dopamine, serotonin, opioid, glutamate, and norepinephrine systems.
Main Results:
- Neurotransmitter systems like dopamine, serotonin, opioid, glutamate, and norepinephrine are implicated in both substance and non-substance addictions.
- Evidence suggests shared neurobiological pathways contribute to addictive behaviors across different objects of addiction.
Conclusions:
- Substance and non-substance addictions exhibit significant neurobiological overlaps.
- Distinct contributions of neurotransmitter systems may differentiate the two addiction types, warranting further investigation.
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