Linking Delay Discounting and Substance Use Disorders: Genotypes and Phenotypes.

Area of Science:

• Behavioral neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Genetics

Background:

• Delay discounting, also known as temporal discounting or impulsive choice, is increasingly recognized as a transdisease process.
• It shows strong associations with substance use disorders (SUDs) and other psychopathologies, including ADHD and depression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence supporting delay discounting as a heritable endophenotype.
• To examine behavioral and genetic links between delay discounting and SUDs.
• To explore intermediate phenotypes associated with SUDs and delay discounting.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing research on heritability and endophenotype status of delay discounting.
• Analysis of studies investigating behavioral and genetic associations with SUDs.
• Examination of research on intermediate phenotypes linking delay discounting and SUDs.

Main Results:

• Evidence suggests delay discounting is heritable and functions as an endophenotype.
• Significant behavioral and genetic associations exist between delay discounting and SUDs.
• Research on intermediate phenotypes offers insights into the underlying mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Delay discounting is a significant factor in SUDs and related disorders.
• Further research is needed to address identified gaps in understanding the complex relationships.
• Findings support the development of targeted interventions for SUDs based on delay discounting principles.