Addiction Flashcards
ICD-10 criteria of dependence (6). How many need to be present before the diagnosis is made?
- strong desire to take substance
- difficulties in controlling use
- withdrawal state
- tolerance
- neglect of alternative pleasures
- persistence despite evidence of harm
CAGE questionairre
- Do you ever think you should CUT-DOWN?
- Do you get ANNOYED when someone asks you about..?
- Do you ever feel GUILTY?
- EYE-OPENER?
What is the most important reward pathway in the brain?
The mesolimbic pathway
What is the mesolimbic pathway composed of?
The ventral tegumental area (in the midbrain), and the nucleus acumbens (in the ventral striatum)
What effects do drugs (such as nicotine, cocaine, amphetamine) have on the reward pathways of the brain?
Enhance dopamine release
What is the effect of addiction on reward pathways? (2)
Less blood flow to the striatum
fewer dopamine receptors than non-addicted controls
What changes occur in the orbito-frontal cortex of drug users when confronted with drug cues?
Increased activation of the orbitofrontal cortex
Describe the adolescent response to reward (2)
Strong response to rewarding stimulus, but minimal judgement or impulse control
Why do adolescents display poor impulse control?
The prefrontal cortex, which mediates judgement/impulse control, is not fully developed
Heritability of addiction
Around 40-60%
How does stress affect the neural reward pathway?(2)
Acutely, release of dopamine. Chronic stress leads to dampening of dopaminergic activity, reducing reward sensitivity
What can be the effect of a rapid increase in stress in a dependent individual?
Drug-seeking behaviour
What is the orbito-frontal cortex involved in?
Motivation
