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Flashcards in Addiction Deck (13)
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1
Q

ICD-10 criteria of dependence (6). How many need to be present before the diagnosis is made?

A
  • strong desire to take substance
  • difficulties in controlling use
  • withdrawal state
  • tolerance
  • neglect of alternative pleasures
  • persistence despite evidence of harm
2
Q

CAGE questionairre

A
  1. Do you ever think you should CUT-DOWN?
  2. Do you get ANNOYED when someone asks you about..?
  3. Do you ever feel GUILTY?
  4. EYE-OPENER?
3
Q

What is the most important reward pathway in the brain?

A

The mesolimbic pathway

4
Q

What is the mesolimbic pathway composed of?

A

The ventral tegumental area (in the midbrain), and the nucleus acumbens (in the ventral striatum)

5
Q

What effects do drugs (such as nicotine, cocaine, amphetamine) have on the reward pathways of the brain?

A

Enhance dopamine release

6
Q

What is the effect of addiction on reward pathways? (2)

A

Less blood flow to the striatum

fewer dopamine receptors than non-addicted controls

7
Q

What changes occur in the orbito-frontal cortex of drug users when confronted with drug cues?

A

Increased activation of the orbitofrontal cortex

8
Q

Describe the adolescent response to reward (2)

A

Strong response to rewarding stimulus, but minimal judgement or impulse control

9
Q

Why do adolescents display poor impulse control?

A

The prefrontal cortex, which mediates judgement/impulse control, is not fully developed

10
Q

Heritability of addiction

A

Around 40-60%

11
Q

How does stress affect the neural reward pathway?(2)

A

Acutely, release of dopamine. Chronic stress leads to dampening of dopaminergic activity, reducing reward sensitivity

12
Q

What can be the effect of a rapid increase in stress in a dependent individual?

A

Drug-seeking behaviour

13
Q

What is the orbito-frontal cortex involved in?

A

Motivation