Neurobiology of addiction

Question 1

List the criteria for dependence

Answer 1

cravings / strong desire to use
difficulty in controlling use
tolerance
withdrawal
neglect of other pleasures
persistent use despite evidence of harm

Question 2

What is the reward pathway

Answer 2

dopamine

prefrontal cortex –> nucleus accumbens –> ventral tegmental area

Question 3

what is dopaminergic activity in mesolimbic pathway associated with

Answer 3

reward and motivation

involved in pleasurable experiences

Question 4

How is the orbitofrontal cortex involved in reward pathway

Answer 4

creator of motivation
increased activity in OFC when craving drug
helps guide intention into behaviour
modulates the effects of the reward system
keeps emotions under control for task completion

Question 5

What develops first the frontal lobe or the limbic system?

Answer 5

Limbic system

frontal lobe develops back to front (motor cortex first and prefrontal last)

Question 6

what does dopamine release effect

Answer 6

ability to set new goals

ability to avoid compulsive repetitive behaviour

Question 7

what parts of the brain are involved in:
inhibitory control
motivation / drive
reward
memory / learning

Answer 7

inhibitory control: prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate

motivation / drive: orbitofrontal

reward: nucleus accumbens, ventral posterior nuclei

memory / learning: amygdala, hippocampus