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Boer OD, Franken IHA, Muetzel RL, Cousijn J, El Marroun H. Examining associations between brain morphology in late childhood and early alcohol or tobacco use initiation in adolescence: Findings from a large prospective cohort. Biol Psychol 2024; 192:108859. [PMID: 39233273 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2024.108859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
A prominent challenge in understanding neural consequences of substance use involves disentangling predispositional risk factors from resulting consequences of substance use. Existing literature has identified pre-existing brain variations as vulnerability markers for substance use throughout adolescence. As early initiation of use is an important predictor for later substance use problems, we examined whether pre-existing brain variations are associated with early initiation of use. In the Generation R Study, a prospective population-based cohort, brain morphology (gray matter volume, cortical thickness and surface area) was assessed at ages 10 and 14 using neuroimaging. In the second wave, participants reported on alcohol and tobacco use initiation. From a base study population (N = 3019), we examined the longitudinal (N = 2218) and cross-sectional (N = 1817) association between brain morphology of frontolimbic regions of interest known to be associated with substance use risk, and very early (age < 13) alcohol/tobacco use initiation. Additionally, longitudinal and cross-sectional associations were examined with a brain surface-based approach. Models were adjusted for age at neuroimaging, sex and relevant sociodemographic factors. No associations were found between brain morphology (ages 10 and 14) and early alcohol/tobacco use initiation (<13 years). Sex-specific analyses suggested a cross-sectional association between smaller brain volume and early initiated tobacco use in girls. Our findings are important for interpreting studies examining neural consequences of substance use in the general population. Future longitudinal studies are needed to specify whether these findings can be extended to initiation and continuation of alcohol/tobacco use in later stages of adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga D Boer
- Center for Substance Use and Addiction Research (CESAR), Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Science, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 3000 DR Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Erasmus MC, Sophia Children's Hospital, 3000 CB Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ingmar H A Franken
- Center for Substance Use and Addiction Research (CESAR), Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Science, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 3000 DR Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ryan L Muetzel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Erasmus MC, Sophia Children's Hospital, 3000 CB Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, the Netherlands
| | - Janna Cousijn
- Center for Substance Use and Addiction Research (CESAR), Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Science, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 3000 DR Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hanan El Marroun
- Center for Substance Use and Addiction Research (CESAR), Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Science, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 3000 DR Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Erasmus MC, Sophia Children's Hospital, 3000 CB Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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2
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Li Y, Yang L, Hao D, Chen Y, Ye-Lin Y, Li CSR, Li G. Functional Networks of Reward and Punishment Processing and Their Molecular Profiles Predicting the Severity of Young Adult Drinking. Brain Sci 2024; 14:610. [PMID: 38928610 PMCID: PMC11201596 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14060610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol misuse is associated with altered punishment and reward processing. Here, we investigated neural network responses to reward and punishment and the molecular profiles of the connectivity features predicting alcohol use severity in young adults. We curated the Human Connectome Project data and employed connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) to examine how functional connectivity (FC) features during wins and losses are associated with alcohol use severity, quantified by Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism, in 981 young adults. We combined the CPM findings and the JuSpace toolbox to characterize the molecular profiles of the network connectivity features of alcohol use severity. The connectomics predicting alcohol use severity appeared specific, comprising less than 0.12% of all features, including medial frontal, motor/sensory, and cerebellum/brainstem networks during punishment processing and medial frontal, fronto-parietal, and motor/sensory networks during reward processing. Spatial correlation analyses showed that these networks were associated predominantly with serotonergic and GABAa signaling. To conclude, a distinct pattern of network connectivity predicted alcohol use severity in young adult drinkers. These "neural fingerprints" elucidate how alcohol misuse impacts the brain and provide evidence of new targets for future intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashuang Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, 100 Pingleyuan, Beijing 100124, China; (Y.L.)
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, 100 Pingleyuan, Beijing 100124, China; (Y.L.)
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Intelligent Physiological Measurement and Clinical Transformation, Beijing 100124, China
- BJUT-UPV Joint Research Laboratory in Biomedical Engineering, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Dongmei Hao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, 100 Pingleyuan, Beijing 100124, China; (Y.L.)
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Intelligent Physiological Measurement and Clinical Transformation, Beijing 100124, China
- BJUT-UPV Joint Research Laboratory in Biomedical Engineering, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA (C.-S.R.L.)
| | - Yiyao Ye-Lin
- BJUT-UPV Joint Research Laboratory in Biomedical Engineering, 46022 Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Chiang-Shan Ray Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA (C.-S.R.L.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Guangfei Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, 100 Pingleyuan, Beijing 100124, China; (Y.L.)
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Intelligent Physiological Measurement and Clinical Transformation, Beijing 100124, China
- BJUT-UPV Joint Research Laboratory in Biomedical Engineering, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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3
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Miller AP, Baranger DAA, Paul SE, Garavan H, Mackey S, Tapert SF, LeBlanc KH, Agrawal A, Bogdan R. Neuroanatomical variability associated with early substance use initiation: Results from the ABCD Study. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.03.06.24303876. [PMID: 38496425 PMCID: PMC10942495 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.06.24303876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The extent to which neuroanatomical variability associated with substance involvement reflects pre-existing risk and/or consequences of substance exposure remains poorly understood. In the Adolescent Brain Cognitive DevelopmentSM (ABCD®) Study, we identify associations between global and regional differences in brain structure and early substance use initiation (i.e., occurring <15 years of age; nsanalytic=6,556-9,804), with evidence that associations precede initiation. Neurodevelopmental variability in brain structure may confer risk for substance involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex P. Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - David A. A. Baranger
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Sarah E. Paul
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Hugh Garavan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont Lamer College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Scott Mackey
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont Lamer College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Susan F. Tapert
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Kimberly H. LeBlanc
- Division of Extramural Research, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, MA, United States
| | - Arpana Agrawal
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Ryan Bogdan
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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4
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Lindberg O, Ahlner F, Tsevis T, Pereira JB, Westman E, Skoog I, Wahlund LO. Effects of current alcohol use on brain volume among older adults in the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort study 2014-16. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024; 274:363-373. [PMID: 37725137 PMCID: PMC10914911 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01691-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Brain gray- and white matter changes is well described in alcohol-dependent elderly subjects; however, the effect of lower levels of alcohol consumption on the brain is poorly understood. We investigated the impact of different amounts of weekly alcohol consumption on brain structure in a population-based sample of 70-year-olds living in Gothenburg, Sweden. Cross-sectional data from 676 participants from The Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Study 2014-16 were included. Current alcohol consumers were divided into seven groups based on self-reported weekly amounts of alcohol consumption in grams (g) (0-50 g/week, used as reference group, 51-100 g/week, 101-150 g/week, 151-200 g/week, 201-250 g/week, 251-300 g/week, and > 300 g/week). Subcortical volumes and cortical thickness were assessed on T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance images using FreeSurfer 5.3, and white matter integrity assessed on diffusion tensor images, using tract-based statistics in FSL. General linear models were carried out to estimate associations between alcohol consumption and gray- and white matter changes in the brain. Self-reported consumption above 250 g/week was associated with thinning in the bilateral superior frontal gyrus, the right precentral gyrus, and the right lateral occipital cortex, in addition to reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) and increased mean diffusivity (MD) diffusively spread in many tracts all over the brain. No changes were found in subcortical gray matter structures. These results suggest that there is a non-linear relationship between alcohol consumption and structural brain changes, in which loss of cortical thickness only occur in non-demented 70-year-olds who consume more than 250 g/week.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olof Lindberg
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Neo Floor 7 SE, 141 83, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Centre for Ageing and Health (AgeCap), Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Felicia Ahlner
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Centre for Ageing and Health (AgeCap), Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Theofanis Tsevis
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Neo Floor 7 SE, 141 83, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joana B Pereira
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Neo Floor 7 SE, 141 83, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eric Westman
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Neo Floor 7 SE, 141 83, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neuroimaging, Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ingmar Skoog
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Centre for Ageing and Health (AgeCap), Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Psychiatry, Cognition and Old Age Psychiatry Clinic, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lars-Olof Wahlund
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Neo Floor 7 SE, 141 83, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
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5
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Bach P, Zaiser J, Zimmermann S, Gessner T, Hoffmann S, Gerhardt S, Berhe O, Bekier NK, Abel M, Radler P, Langejürgen J, Tost H, Lenz B, Vollstädt-Klein S, Stallkamp J, Kirschbaum C, Kiefer F. Stress-Induced Sensitization of Insula Activation Predicts Alcohol Craving and Alcohol Use in Alcohol Use Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 95:245-255. [PMID: 37678541 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress and alcohol cues trigger alcohol consumption and relapse in alcohol use disorder. However, the neurobiological processes underlying their interaction are not well understood. Thus, we conducted a randomized, controlled neuroimaging study to investigate the effects of psychosocial stress on neural cue reactivity and addictive behaviors. METHODS Neural alcohol cue reactivity was assessed in 91 individuals with alcohol use disorder using a validated functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) task. Activation patterns were measured twice, at baseline and during a second fMRI session, prior to which participants were assigned to psychosocial stress (experimental condition) or a matched control condition or physical exercise (control conditions). Together with fMRI data, alcohol craving and cortisol levels were assessed, and alcohol use data were collected during a 12-month follow-up. Analyses tested the effects of psychosocial stress on neural cue reactivity and associations with cortisol levels, craving, and alcohol use. RESULTS Compared with both control conditions, psychosocial stress elicited higher alcohol cue-induced activation in the left anterior insula (familywise error-corrected p < .05) and a stress- and cue-specific dynamic increase in insula activation over time (F22,968 = 2.143, p = .007), which was predicted by higher cortisol levels during the experimental intervention (r = 0.310, false discovery rate-corrected p = .016). Cue-induced insula activation was positively correlated with alcohol craving during fMRI (r = 0.262, false discovery rate-corrected p = .032) and alcohol use during follow-up (r = 0.218, false discovery rate-corrected p = .046). CONCLUSIONS Results indicate a stress-induced sensitization of cue-induced activation in the left insula as a neurobiological correlate of the effects of psychosocial stress on alcohol craving and alcohol use in alcohol use disorder, which likely reflects changes in salience attribution and goal-directed behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Bach
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim. Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Feuerlein Center on Translational Addiction Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Judith Zaiser
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim. Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sina Zimmermann
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim. Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tatjana Gessner
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim. Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Hoffmann
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim. Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Biostatistics, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sarah Gerhardt
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim. Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Oksana Berhe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nina Kim Bekier
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim. Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Abel
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim. Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Radler
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation Institute for Production Technology and Automation, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jens Langejürgen
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation Institute for Production Technology and Automation, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Heike Tost
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bernd Lenz
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim. Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Vollstädt-Klein
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim. Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Mannheim Center for Translational Neurosciences, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jan Stallkamp
- Mannheim Institute for Intelligent Systems in Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Clemens Kirschbaum
- Department of Psychology, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Falk Kiefer
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim. Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Feuerlein Center on Translational Addiction Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Mannheim Center for Translational Neurosciences, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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6
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McCollum DC, Teeters JB, Moskal KR, Woodward MJ. Does Social Support Moderate the Association between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Substance-Related Problems? Subst Use Misuse 2023; 59:269-277. [PMID: 37853713 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2269570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Background: More than half of individuals in the United States have had adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which can result in physical and mental distress. ACEs has been linked with greater likelihood of harmful alcohol and drug use. Research has found that protective factors, such as social support, may potentially buffer against harmful substance use engagement among those who have experienced ACEs. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between perceived social support, ACEs, and alcohol and cannabis-related problems. Moreover, this study aimed to examine if specific domains of perceived social support (family, friends, and significant other) moderated the relationship between ACEs and alcohol and cannabis-related problems. Method: Validated measures of ACEs, perceived social support, and alcohol and cannabis problems were collected in a sample of 401 emerging adults via Prolific Academic (an online data collection platform). Results: Overall perceived social support and domains such as perceived family and friend social support moderated the relationship between ACEs and alcohol-related problems but not ACEs and cannabis-related problems. The association between ACEs and alcohol-related problems was strongest at low levels of perceived family and friend social support. Perceived social support was not associated with cannabis-related problems. Conclusions: Lack of social support is a potential risk factor for alcohol-related problems among emerging adults. Bolstering perceived social support from family and friends among those who have experienced ACEs may be beneficial in intervention and treatment efforts aiming to reduce harmful substance use in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diamonde C McCollum
- Psychological Sciences Department, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jenni B Teeters
- Psychological Sciences Department, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
| | - Katie R Moskal
- Psychological Sciences Department, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
| | - Matthew J Woodward
- Psychological Sciences Department, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
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7
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Scott JC. Impact of Adolescent Cannabis Use on Neurocognitive and Brain Development. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2023; 46:655-676. [PMID: 37879830 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2023.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Research examining associations between frequent cannabis use in adolescence and brain-behavior outcomes has increased substantially over the past 2 decades. This review attempts to synthesize the state of evidence in this area of research while acknowledging challenges in interpretation. Although there is converging evidence that ongoing, frequent cannabis use in adolescence is associated with small reductions in cognitive functioning, there is still significant debate regarding the persistence of reductions after a period of abstinence. Similarly, there is controversy regarding the replicability of structural and functional neuroimaging findings related to frequent cannabis use in adolescence. Larger studies with informative designs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cobb Scott
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Hamilton Walk, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; VISN4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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8
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Baranger DAA, Paul SE, Hatoum AS, Bogdan R. Alcohol use and grey matter structure: Disentangling predispositional and causal contributions in human studies. Addict Biol 2023; 28:e13327. [PMID: 37644894 PMCID: PMC10502907 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use is a growing global health concern and economic burden. Alcohol involvement (i.e., initiation, use, problematic use, alcohol use disorder) has been reliably associated with broad spectrum grey matter differences in cross-sectional studies. These findings have been largely interpreted as reflecting alcohol-induced atrophy. However, emerging data suggest that brain structure differences also represent pre-existing vulnerability factors for alcohol involvement. Here, we review evidence from human studies with designs (i.e., family-based, genomic, longitudinal) that allow them to assess the plausibility that these correlates reflect predispositional risk factors and/or causal consequences of alcohol involvement. These studies provide convergent evidence that grey matter correlates of alcohol involvement largely reflect predisposing risk factors, with some evidence for potential alcohol-induced atrophy. These conclusions highlight the importance of study designs that can provide causal clues to cross-sectional observations. An integrative model may best account for these data, in which predisposition to alcohol use affects brain development, effects which may then be compounded by the neurotoxic consequences of heavy alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A A Baranger
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University St. Louis Medical School, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sarah E Paul
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Washington University St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Alexander S Hatoum
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Washington University St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things in Medicine Institute, Washington University St. Louis Medical School, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ryan Bogdan
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Washington University St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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9
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Soleimani N, Kazemi K, Helfroush MS, Aarabi A. Altered brain structural and functional connectivity in cannabis users. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5847. [PMID: 37037859 PMCID: PMC10086048 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32521-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is one of the most used and commodified illicit substances worldwide, especially among young adults. The neurobiology mechanism of cannabis is yet to be identified particularly in youth. The purpose of this study was to concurrently measure alterations in brain structural and functional connectivity in cannabis users using resting-state functional magnetic resonance images (rs-fMRI) and diffusion-weighted images (DWI) from a group of 73 cannabis users (age 22-36, 19 female) in comparison with 73 healthy controls (age 22-36, 14 female) from Human Connectome Project (HCP). Several significant differences were observed in local structural/functional network measures (e.g. degree and clustering coefficient), being prominent in the insular and frontal opercular cortex and lateral/medial temporal cortex. The rich-club organization of structural networks revealed a normal trend, distributed within bilateral frontal, temporal and occipital regions. However, minor differences were found between the two groups in the superior and inferior temporal gyri. Functional rich-club nodes were mostly located within parietal and posterior areas, with minor differences between the groups found mainly in the centro-temporal and parietal regions. Regional network measures of structural/functional networks were associated with times used cannabis (TUC) in several regions. Although the structural/functional network in both groups showed small-world property, no differences between cannabis users and healthy controls were found regarding the global network measures, showing no association with cannabis use. After FDR correction, all of the significant associations between network measures and TUC were found to be insignificant, except for the association between degree and TUC within the presubiculum region. To recap, our findings revealed alterations in local topological properties of structural and functional networks in cannabis users, although their global brain network organization remained intact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najme Soleimani
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Shiraz University of Technology, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kamran Kazemi
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Shiraz University of Technology, Shiraz, Iran.
| | | | - Ardalan Aarabi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
- Laboratory of Functional Neuroscience and Pathologies, University Research Center, University Hospital, Amiens, France
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10
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Abstract
Research examining associations between frequent cannabis use in adolescence and brain-behavior outcomes has increased substantially over the past 2 decades. This review attempts to synthesize the state of evidence in this area of research while acknowledging challenges in interpretation. Although there is converging evidence that ongoing, frequent cannabis use in adolescence is associated with small reductions in cognitive functioning, there is still significant debate regarding the persistence of reductions after a period of abstinence. Similarly, there is controversy regarding the replicability of structural and functional neuroimaging findings related to frequent cannabis use in adolescence. Larger studies with informative designs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cobb Scott
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Hamilton Walk, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; VISN4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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11
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Bogdan R, Hatoum AS, Johnson EC, Agrawal A. The Genetically Informed Neurobiology of Addiction (GINA) model. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:40-57. [PMID: 36446900 PMCID: PMC10041646 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-022-00656-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Addictions are heritable and unfold dynamically across the lifespan. One prominent neurobiological theory proposes that substance-induced changes in neural circuitry promote the progression of addiction. Genome-wide association studies have begun to characterize the polygenic architecture undergirding addiction liability and revealed that genetic loci associated with risk can be divided into those associated with a general broad-spectrum liability to addiction and those associated with drug-specific addiction risk. In this Perspective, we integrate these genomic findings with our current understanding of the neurobiology of addiction to propose a new Genetically Informed Neurobiology of Addiction (GINA) model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Bogdan
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Alexander S Hatoum
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Emma C Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Arpana Agrawal
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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Zhao Y, Skandali N, Bethlehem RAI, Voon V. Mesial Prefrontal Cortex and Alcohol Misuse: Dissociating Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Relationships in UK Biobank. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:907-916. [PMID: 35589437 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol misuse is a major global public health issue. The disorder is characterized by aberrant neural networks interacting with environment and genetics. Dissecting the neural substrates and functional networks that relate to longitudinal changes in alcohol use from those that relate to alcohol misuse cross-sectionally is important to elucidate therapeutic approaches. METHODS To assess how neuroimaging data, including T1, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, and diffusion-weighted imaging, relate to alcohol misuse cross-sectionally and longitudinally in the UK Biobank, this study analyzed range of alcohol misuse in a population-based normative sample of 24,784 participants, ages 45 to 81 years old, in a cross-sectional analysis and a sample of 3070 participants in a longitudinal analysis 2 years later. RESULTS Cross-sectional analysis showed that alcohol use is associated with a reduction in dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex gray matter concentration and functional resting-state connectivity (nodal degree: t24,422 = -12.99, p < 1 × 10-17). Reduced dorsal anterior cingulate cortex/dorsomedial prefrontal cortex functional connections to the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and striatum relate to greater alcohol use. In a longitudinal analysis, higher resting-state nodal degree (t3036 = -3.27, p = .0011) and T1 gray matter concentration in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex relate to reduced alcohol intake frequency 2 years later. Higher ventromedial prefrontal cortex and frontoparietal executive network functional connectivity is associated with lower subsequent drinking longitudinally. CONCLUSIONS Dorsal versus ventromedial prefrontal regions are differentially related to alcohol misuse cross-sectionally or longitudinally in a large UK Biobank normative dataset. Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of the neurobiological substrates of alcohol use as a state or prospectively, thereby providing potential targets for clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhao
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| | - Nikolina Skandali
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Valerie Voon
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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Knodt AR, Meier MH, Ambler A, Gehred MZ, Harrington H, Ireland D, Poulton R, Ramrakha S, Caspi A, Moffitt TE, Hariri AR. Diminished Structural Brain Integrity in Long-term Cannabis Users Reflects a History of Polysubstance Use. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:861-870. [PMID: 36008158 PMCID: PMC9637748 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis legalization and use are outpacing our understanding of its long-term effects on brain and behavior, which is fundamental for effective policy and health practices. Existing studies are limited by small samples, cross-sectional measures, failure to separate long-term from recreational use, and inadequate control for other substance use. Here, we address these limitations by determining the structural brain integrity of long-term cannabis users in the Dunedin Study, a longitudinal investigation of a population-representative birth cohort followed to midlife. METHODS We leveraged prospective measures of cannabis, alcohol, tobacco, and other illicit drug use in addition to structural neuroimaging in 875 study members at age 45 to test for differences in both global and regional gray and white matter integrity between long-term cannabis users and lifelong nonusers. We additionally tested for dose-response associations between continuous measures of cannabis use and brain structure, including careful adjustments for use of other substances. RESULTS Long-term cannabis users had a thinner cortex, smaller subcortical gray matter volumes, and higher machine learning-predicted brain age than nonusers. However, these differences in structural brain integrity were explained by the propensity of long-term cannabis users to engage in polysubstance use, especially with alcohol and tobacco. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that diminished midlife structural brain integrity in long-term cannabis users reflects a broader pattern of polysubstance use, underlining the importance of understanding comorbid substance use in efforts to curb the negative effects of cannabis on brain and behavior as well as establish more effective policy and health practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annchen R Knodt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Madeline H Meier
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Antony Ambler
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Maria Z Gehred
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - HonaLee Harrington
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - David Ireland
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Richie Poulton
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sandhya Ramrakha
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Avshalom Caspi
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Terrie E Moffitt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmad R Hariri
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
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Mavromatis LA, Rosoff DB, Cupertino RB, Garavan H, Mackey S, Lohoff FW. Association Between Brain Structure and Alcohol Use Behaviors in Adults: A Mendelian Randomization and Multiomics Study. JAMA Psychiatry 2022; 79:869-878. [PMID: 35947372 PMCID: PMC9366661 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.2196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Importance Past studies have identified associations between brain macrostructure and alcohol use behaviors. However, identifying directional associations between these phenotypes is difficult due to the limitations of observational studies. Objective To use mendelian randomization (MR) to identify directional associations between brain structure and alcohol use and elucidate the transcriptomic and cellular underpinnings of identified associations. Design, Setting, and Participants The main source data comprised summary statistics from population-based and case-control genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of neuroimaging, behavioral, and clinical phenotypes (N = 763 874). Using these data, bidirectional and multivariable MR was performed analyzing associations between brain macrostructure and alcohol use. Downstream transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) and cell-type enrichment analyses investigated the biology underlying identified associations. The study approach was data driven and did not test any a priori hypotheses. Data were analyzed August 2021 to May 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures Brain structure phenotypes (global cortical thickness [GCT] and global cortical surface area [GCSA] in 33 709 individuals and left-right subcortical volumes in 19 629 individuals) and alcohol use behaviors (alcoholic drinks per week [DPW] in 537 349 individuals, binge drinking frequency in 143 685 individuals, and alcohol use disorder in 8845 individuals vs 20 657 control individuals [total of 29 502]). Results The main bidirectional MR analyses were performed in samples totaling 763 874 individuals, among whom more than 94% were of European ancestry, 52% to 54% were female, and the mean cohort ages were 40 to 63 years. Negative associations were identified between genetically predicted GCT and binge drinking (β, -2.52; 95% CI, -4.13 to -0.91) and DPW (β, -0.88; 95% CI, -1.37 to -0.40) at a false discovery rate (FDR) of 0.05. These associations remained significant in multivariable MR models that accounted for neuropsychiatric phenotypes, substance use, trauma, and neurodegeneration. TWAS of GCT and alcohol use behaviors identified 5 genes at the 17q21.31 locus oppositely associated with GCT and binge drinking or DPW (FDR = 0.05). Cell-type enrichment analyses implicated glutamatergic cortical neurons in alcohol use behaviors. Conclusions and Relevance The findings in this study show that the associations between GCT and alcohol use may reflect a predispositional influence of GCT and that 17q21.31 genes and glutamatergic cortical neurons may play a role in this association. While replication studies are needed, these findings should enhance the understanding of associations between brain structure and alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas A. Mavromatis
- Section on Clinical Genomics and Experimental Therapeutics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Daniel B. Rosoff
- Section on Clinical Genomics and Experimental Therapeutics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
- National Institutes of Health–Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program; Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Renata B. Cupertino
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington
| | - Hugh Garavan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington
| | - Scott Mackey
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington
| | - Falk W. Lohoff
- Section on Clinical Genomics and Experimental Therapeutics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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15
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Feldstein Ewing SW, Karalunas SL, Kenyon EA, Yang M, Hudson KA, Filbey FM. Intersection between social inequality and emotion regulation on emerging adult cannabis use. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2022; 3:100050. [PMID: 35694031 PMCID: PMC9187048 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2022.100050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Emerging adulthood (EA; ages 18-25) is characterized by socioemotional and neurodevelopmental challenges. Cannabis is a widely used substance among EAs, and hazardous use may increase risk for sustained use patterns and related health consequences. Research shows differential increases in hazardous use by objective as well as subjective measures of social inequality, with more concerning trajectories for youth with greater experiences of social inequality. Learning how to flexibly monitor and modify emotions in proactive ways (i.e., emotion regulation) is a central developmental task navigated during the EA window. Challenges to and with emotion regulation processes can contribute to the emergence of mental health symptoms during EA, including hazardous cannabis use. In this perspective, we highlight emotion dysregulation and social inequality as two critical factors that interact to either buffer against or exacerbate cannabis use during the EA period, noting critical gaps in the literature that merit additional research. We recommend novel methods and longitudinal designs to help clarify how dynamic cognition-emotion interplay predicts trajectories of negative emotional experiences and cannabis use in EA.
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16
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Friedman NP, Robbins TW. The role of prefrontal cortex in cognitive control and executive function. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:72-89. [PMID: 34408280 PMCID: PMC8617292 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01132-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 353] [Impact Index Per Article: 176.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Concepts of cognitive control (CC) and executive function (EF) are defined in terms of their relationships with goal-directed behavior versus habits and controlled versus automatic processing, and related to the functions of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and related regions and networks. A psychometric approach shows unity and diversity in CC constructs, with 3 components in the most commonly studied constructs: general or common CC and components specific to mental set shifting and working memory updating. These constructs are considered against the cellular and systems neurobiology of PFC and what is known of its functional neuroanatomical or network organization based on lesioning, neurochemical, and neuroimaging approaches across species. CC is also considered in the context of motivation, as "cool" and "hot" forms. Its Common CC component is shown to be distinct from general intelligence (g) and closely related to response inhibition. Impairments in CC are considered as possible causes of psychiatric symptoms and consequences of disorders. The relationships of CC with the general factor of psychopathology (p) and dimensional constructs such as impulsivity in large scale developmental and adult populations are considered, as well as implications for genetic studies and RDoC approaches to psychiatric classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi P Friedman
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience and Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
| | - Trevor W Robbins
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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The Effects of Alcohol and Cannabis Co-Use on Neurocognitive Function, Brain Structure, and Brain Function. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 2021; 8:134-149. [PMID: 36908333 PMCID: PMC9997650 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-021-00243-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of review Given increases in the rates of alcohol and cannabis co-use among adolescents and young adults, this review aims to summarize literature on the effects of alcohol and cannabis co-use on neurocognitive functioning, brain structure, and brain function. Recent findings The limited existing studies examining concurrent, recent, and lifetime alcohol and cannabis co-use suggest effects on the brain are likely multifaceted. The majority of studies report that co-use is associated with negative outcomes such as impaired cognitive function and significant alterations in key structural and functional regions of the brain, while others report null effects of co-use compared to non-substance using control and single-substance use groups. Summary Current studies lack a general consensus on methodology, definitions of concurrent and simultaneous use, and neuroimaging approaches, which makes it challenging to draw strong conclusions about the effects of co-use. More studies are needed to explore the effects of co-use in the context of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use.
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18
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Kung FH, Chen MH, Liang CS. Association of Alcohol With Cortical Thickness in Adolescents. JAMA Psychiatry 2021; 78:1283-1284. [PMID: 34586350 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2021.2787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fan-Hsuan Kung
- Beitou Branch, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mu-Hong Chen
- Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Sung Liang
- Beitou Branch, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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