Li et al (2013) Flashcards
Aim
To investigate relationship between chronic heroine use and changes to specific brain areas
(Specifically cingulate cortex)
Participants
14 heroin addicted males
Average age of 35
From China
Using heroin on average 89 months
Clean except from nicotine
Physically healthy and mentally cleared
Matched with control group, only difference is they never did heroin (e.g. both right handed)
Procedure
Spent 40 mins in magnetic resonance in imaging scanner
Had to for 5 mins in fMRI scanner and focus on target
24 pictures of drug related photos and 24 neutral in random order for 2 seconds
Inter-stimulus interval between 4-12 secs each photo
Results
Posterior cingulate cortex showed strong reaction to picture cues
Participants reported craving for heroin when photos came up
PCC strongly connected to insula and cingulate cortex and dorsal stratium
Your brain physically changes each time you take heroin, so you crave it more each time with cues, strengthens craving connections
What does insula do
Decision making and internal emotional states
Conclusion
Activity in PCC was significantly increased when exposed to heroin photos
Heroin alters functionality and connectivity of brain -> so self control is impossible
Ethics
Gave full informed consent
Had right to withdraw
There as no deception
Procedure approved by two ethical commitees
Use of case study
Enabled us to provide better treatments and advice to addicts
Have to completely remove all triggers i.le.
Culture issues
Only used Chinese heroin addicts
Research draws conclusions about all heroin addicts and are prone to relapse
Sample issues
14 heroin addict males
Which is androcentric and beta-biased
Not all heroin addicts are male and we cannot assume the same goes for women
