Addictive brain activity spotted
Addictive behaviour could be due to changes in brain activity, scientists say
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Tuesday, 25, Dec 2007 10:01
A "significant" step has been made in understanding why some people are alcoholics, scientists claim.
Researchers at the Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Centre say they have identified for the first time brain sites that are more active when people make impulsive decisions.
When they compared brain activity of sober alcoholics and non-addicted people the scientists found that the latter group had significantly less 'impulsive' neural activity.
They also discovered that specific gene mutation boosted activity in these brain regions when people made impulsive choices, according to the Journal of Neuroscience.
This mutation was already known to reduce brain levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine.
As such the researchers say the newly found link involving the gene, impulsive behaviour and brain activity suggests that raising dopamine levels may be an effective treatment for addiction.
"Our data suggest there may be a cognitive difference in people with addictions," lead researcher Dr Charlotte Boettiger said.
"Their brains may not fully process the long-term consequences of their choices. They may compute information less efficiently."
She added: "What's exciting about this study is that it suggests a new approach to therapy.
"We might prescribe medications, such as those used to treat Parkinson's or early Alzheimer's disease, or tailor cognitive therapy to improve executive function."