Cognitive Models

Question 1

Hyman (2005)

Answer 1

PFC. normally used for goal selection. Addicts show pathological narrowing to actions leading to drug reward. Natural function is overridden.alters representation of goals, assignment of value and action choice. Cognitive control that allows goal directed behaviour depends on active maintenance of goal representation in PFC. Addictive drugs produce very distorted signal that disrupts normal DA related learning in PFC, NACC and dorsal striatum

Question 2

Impaired control

Answer 2

Cause and consequence of drug use. Drug use changes frontal systems, increased impulsivity seen in inability to delay behaviour and insensitivity to negative consequences.

Question 3

Impulsivity and opiate users

Answer 3

Delay discounting task. £1000 Vs time waiting for it. Drug users showed much steeper discounting curves. Stayed the same even if we’re abstinent.

Question 4

Childhood neurobehavioural disinhibition

Answer 4

Neurobehavioural disinhibition at age 10 predicts drug use at 19.

Question 5

Impulse control Vs drive

Answer 5

Control is top down and in frontal cortex. Suppresses impulse drive and is biased towards long term goals.
Impulse drive is bottom up, based in the reward pathway and lower brain levels. Bias for immediate goals, linked to reinforcement and incentive salience.

Question 6

Compulsivity

Answer 6

Addiction is a shift from impulsivity to compulsivity. Compulsion is more rigid, inappropriate persistence of habits.

Question 7

Robbins (2012)

Answer 7

Tracked shift from impulsivity to compulsivity. Starts in the NACC. Waiting (delayed discounting) stopping (stop signal inhibition) moves to PFC. Shifting (cognitive inflexibility) and compulsive habits.
Addicts shift through the stages with continued use. is a shift in biological control of behaviour

Question 8

Volkow (2011)

Answer 8

PFC/OFC much more active in addicts as is NACC and VTA. Communication routes and frequency are almost opposites in addicts than controls