Test 1 Part 5 Flashcards
QUESTION:Briefly describe how behavioural addictions are similar and different from substance use disorders (2 points). Briefly
Similarities: both drugs and addictive behaviours (gambling) induce a state of allostasis in which neural circuitry is functioning at a different level compared to homeostatic. There is a presence of allostatic load, and the dysregulation of neural systems drive addiction-related behaviours even more
- Both drugs and addictive behaviours also are linked with maladaptive behaviours which can cause even more problems and suffering (ex/ relationships are damaged)
Differences: Behavioural addictions receive less attention. Some behavioural addictions are difficult to define and understand, since, in moderation, they are usually normal activites like shopping, eating, sex etc.
Question: Briefly describe two general brain changes that are common in behavioural addictions and cocaine use disorder (2 points for each
2 general brain changes:
i) White matter integrity is compromised. Functional anisotropy and axial diffusivity assesses tract integrity through water movement aong axons. Individuals with mobile phone addiction demonstrate that there is a decreased integrity of the white matter tract between the cingulum and hippocampus.
ii) GMV is compromised. Grey matter (cell bodies) assessed by voxel-based morphometry results in loss of cell bodies in various cortical and subcortical structures. This cortical grey matter loss may be indicative as to why there is a loss of cortical control over other stuctures. In mobile phone addiction, there was seen to be DECREASED GREY MATTER IN THE SUPERIOR AND INFERIOR FRONTAL GYRUS, AND IN THE THALAMUS.
Discuss the problem with the grey matter data that provides evidence into behavioural addictions
individuals with mobile phone addiction for example also scored high on the Barrattti impulsiveness scale.
People with increased impulsiveness were also seen to have decreased GMV and decreased FA– the fMRI measures reported with people with mobile phone addiction may have just assessed brain anomalies pertaining to impulsiveness instead.
Which white matter tract was adversely affected in people with MPA
cingulate hippocampal tract.
what grey matter bodies were adversely affected in people with MPA
superior and inferior frontal gyrus in right hemispheres, and thalamus.
what grey matter bodies were adversely affected in people with ONLING GAMING ADDICTION
insula, orbital frontal cortex, singular ish areas
Which white matter tract was adversely affected in people with online gaming addiction?
right corpus calloseum, and white matter in the frontal cortex.
What were the brain activity and cognitive ranking discrepancies seen in people with gambling addictions in monetary vs erotic trials?
there is increased VTA and Nacc activation. The controls reward system letup the same amount for either erotic or monetary cues, but gamblers showed more activation for monetary cues.
both the controls and gamblers had more VTA + ventral stratal activity the more money they won
As the women continued to appear more naked, controls said that they found them more and more attractive, and their VTA and Nacc had more and more activation
BUT: In gamblers, there was no increase in brain activation. They do not get more or less stimulation in the ventral striatum with bikini vs naked women, EVEN IF THEY SAY THEY ARE ‘HAPPIER’ SEEING NUDE WOMEN.
What is a cultural/environmental factor that plays a role in compulsive buying
overall economic climate changes money allocation. When there is a recession, there is less compulsive buying.
how is the transition between passionate love to attachment/romantic love similar to the transition from impulsive to compulsive drug taking?
incorporates both acute reward (VTA) and habit forming circuits (palladium and dorsal striatum)
in love, the initial passionate love is mediated primarily by ___ and ___
during attachment, there is the recruitment of the ___ __, ___ ___, and ___ ___.
in love, the initial passionate love is mediated primarily by VTA and NAcc
during attachment, there is the recruitment of the ___ __, ___ ___, and ___ ___.
How is the VTA implicated in Wanting vs liking aspects of relationships?
Right VTA = wanting
left VTA = liking.
the more passionate love, ht more activation in the RIGHT Nacc and caudate
DURATION of relationship is correlated with anterior + posterior cingulate cortex.
Attractiveness is correlated with LEFT side (therefore liking)
Addiction and vulnerability:
when rats were put in isolation vs not, which group would respond more or cocaine? Which group has more motivation for cocaine?
statistically different number of infusions INCREASED in ISOLATED MALES (on a fixed and PR ratio). (females also exhibited this on PR ratio).
isolated rates also have a higher breakpoint. Willing to work very hard to get that infusion.
After extinction, isolated rats were able to reinstate at a higher rate. (indication of motivation)
explain the differences in cfos data of isolated rats (emotional processing)
isolated rats with cocaine experience had heightened activity in core, shell, palladium and reward structures.
areas involved in negative emotional process was also activated such as septum, BLA, BNST.
Without cocaine however, the animals are similar to control animals in terms of emotional processing structures.
Treating addiction:
Explain how fluoxetine can reduce withdrawal effects or stress
in the experiment, one group of rats were given escalating doses of heroin, and then immediately given fluoxetine for 5 weeks. After 5 weeks, they were given social interactions. (fluoxetine prevention).
The other group were not given fluoxetine for a very long time. Finally, after 9 weeks, they were given fluoxetine and then social interaction. (fluoxetine reversion)
this fluoxetine prevention prevented withdrawal effects.. there was less stress induced grooming.
Heroin withdrawal usually reduces social behaviour, and increases stress induced grooming. Fluoxetine somewhat reduces this. It reinstates social behaviour.
