Utilising multimodal neuroimaging to investigate reward system deficits and to develop novel therapeutics in individuals with substance use and behavioural addictions
Author(s)
Zafar, Rayyan
Type
Thesis or dissertation
Abstract
Addiction, a mental health condition, suffers from a significant treatment gap, with less than 10% of affected individuals receiving help. Over the past four decades, research has focused on understanding addiction's neurobiological mechanisms, primarily centering on the role of dopamine as a key player in reward processing. Advanced neuroimaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) have unveiled functional and molecular dysfunctions in addiction.
This thesis aimed to utilise and advance neuroimaging methods to understand reward system dysfunction in both substance and behavioral addictions. Additionally, it sought to explore the potential of these methods in translational neuropsychopharmacology research for developing innovative addiction therapeutics.
The three thesis chapters delved into the use of neuroimaging in both basic neuroscience and translational neuropsychopharmacology experiments. The first chapter conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on dopamine receptor function in addiction, revealing the complexity of this role. The second chapter investigated a novel dopaminergic drug's effects in alcohol addiction, demonstrating its dual impact on the brain through fMRI and PET scans. The final chapter identified gambling disorder-specific brain biomarkers, valuable for future translational research.
These findings suggest that simple molecular biomarkers are insufficient for addiction translational research. However, multimodal neuroimaging investigations, as seen in the second chapter, hold promise for clinical drug development in addiction.
In conclusion, the thesis lays the foundation for future research, highlighting the potential of multimodal translational neuropsychopharmacology studies to yield effective interventions for addiction. These methods could revolutionise not only addiction treatment but also have broader implications in psychiatric research and emerging fields like psychedelic drug development.
This thesis aimed to utilise and advance neuroimaging methods to understand reward system dysfunction in both substance and behavioral addictions. Additionally, it sought to explore the potential of these methods in translational neuropsychopharmacology research for developing innovative addiction therapeutics.
The three thesis chapters delved into the use of neuroimaging in both basic neuroscience and translational neuropsychopharmacology experiments. The first chapter conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on dopamine receptor function in addiction, revealing the complexity of this role. The second chapter investigated a novel dopaminergic drug's effects in alcohol addiction, demonstrating its dual impact on the brain through fMRI and PET scans. The final chapter identified gambling disorder-specific brain biomarkers, valuable for future translational research.
These findings suggest that simple molecular biomarkers are insufficient for addiction translational research. However, multimodal neuroimaging investigations, as seen in the second chapter, hold promise for clinical drug development in addiction.
In conclusion, the thesis lays the foundation for future research, highlighting the potential of multimodal translational neuropsychopharmacology studies to yield effective interventions for addiction. These methods could revolutionise not only addiction treatment but also have broader implications in psychiatric research and emerging fields like psychedelic drug development.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2023-09-15
Date Awarded
2024-02-01
Copyright Statement
Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Licence (CC BY-NC)
License URL
Advisor
Nutt, David
Erritzoe, David
Wall, Matthew
Sponsor
Medical Research Council (Great Britain)
Publisher Department
Department of Brain Sciences
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)