Decreased reward-related brain function prospectively predicts increased substance use.

This study examined whether reward-related brain function predicted subsequent substance use course. Participants were 79 right-handed individuals (Mage = 21.52, SD = 2.19 years), who completed a monetary incentive delay (MID) fMRI task, and follow-up measures assessing substance use frequency and impairment. The average duration of the follow-up period was 9.1 months. Regions-of-interest analyses focused on the reward anticipation phase of the MID. Decreased activation in the VS during reward anticipation predicted increased substance use frequency at follow-up. Decreased DS activation during reward anticipation predicted increased substance use frequency at follow-up, but this finding did not pass correction for multiple comparisons. Analyses adjusted for relevant covariates, including baseline substance use and the presence or absence of a lifetime substance use disorder prior to MRI scanning. Results support the reward hyposensitivity theory, suggesting that decreased reward-related brain function is a risk factor for increased substance use. Results have implications for understanding the pathophysiology of problematic substance use and highlight the importance of the fronto-striatal reward circuit in the development and maintenance of addiction. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)
Source: Journal of Abnormal Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research