B2: Biological Approach To Smoking

Question 1

Why might a person start smoking according to the biological approach (initiation)

Answer 1

1) genetic predisposition

2) dopamine receptors

3)heritability of smoking imitation and nicotine dependence

Question 2

Initiation (genetic predisposition)

Answer 2

Carmelli et all found that genetic influences contribute about 53% of the risk of taking up smoking

Question 3

Initiation (dopamine receptor )

Answer 3

1. Nicotine molecules attach to dopamine receptors
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   2. Location: Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA)
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   3. Triggers dopamine release
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   4. Location: Nucleus Accumbens
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   5. Creates a feeling of pleasure (“buzz”)
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   6. First-time smoker may get hooked

Question 4

Initiation (heritability of smoking imitiation and nicotine dependence )

Answer 4

Vink et al. (2005) found 44% of the variation between individuals for smoking initiation was explained by genetic factors and 75% for nicotine dependence.

Question 5

Maintenance

Answer 5

1) Dopamine
.2)nicotine regulation
3)tolerance

Question 6

Maintenance (dopamine)

Answer 6

Smokers continue to smoke because nicotine molecules continue to attach to receptors in the VTA and dopamine is released in the NA. The pleasure from the dopamine release rewards the smoking behaviour so the smoker is compelled to continue.

Question 7

(Maintenance) nicotine regulation

Answer 7

smokers continue smoking to avoid withdrawal symptoms (an example of negative reinforcement

Question 8

Maintenance tolerance

Answer 8

Overtime, the constant stimulation of dopamine receptors reduces their sensitivity. The person has to smoke more in order to re-stimulate receptors to previous levels and achieve sensations they used to get, i.e. tolerance, including tolerance to mood changing effects (less buzz) and tolerance to the negative effects of nicotine (fewer headaches

Question 9

(Relapse) withdrawal symptoms

Answer 9

A short time after finishing a cigarette, withdrawal symptoms appear (e.g. feeling of anxiety, craving). Smokers become skilled at avoiding the symptoms by smoking again at the earliest signs. This brings their blood nicotine levels back up.

Question 10

Addiction

Answer 10

A mental health problem in which an individual takes a substance or engages in a behaviour that is pleasurable but eventually becomes compulsive with negative consequences.

Question 11

Dopamine

Answer 11

A neurotransmitter that has an excitatory effect and is associated with the sensation of pleasure.

Question 12

What is low levels of dopamine associated with

Answer 12

unusually low levels are associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Question 13

What are high levels of dopamine associated with

Answer 13

Unusually high levels are associated with schizophrenia