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Brassard SL, Liu H, Dosanjh J, MacKillop J, Balodis I. Neurobiological foundations and clinical relevance of effort-based decision-making. Brain Imaging Behav 2024:10.1007/s11682-024-00890-x. [PMID: 38819540 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-024-00890-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Applying effort-based decision-making tasks provides insights into specific variables influencing choice behaviors. The current review summarizes the structural and functional neuroanatomy of effort-based decision-making. Across 39 examined studies, the review highlights the ventromedial prefrontal cortex in forming reward-based predictions, the ventral striatum encoding expected subjective values driven by reward size, the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex for monitoring choices to maximize rewards, and specific motor areas preparing for effort expenditure. Neuromodulation techniques, along with shifting environmental and internal states, are promising novel treatment interventions for altering neural alterations underlying decision-making. Our review further articulates the translational promise of this construct into the development, maintenance and treatment of psychiatric conditions, particularly those characterized by reward-, effort- and valuation-related deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Brassard
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Peter Boris Center for Addictions Research, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Hanson Liu
- Peter Boris Center for Addictions Research, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jadyn Dosanjh
- Peter Boris Center for Addictions Research, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - James MacKillop
- Peter Boris Center for Addictions Research, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Iris Balodis
- Peter Boris Center for Addictions Research, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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2
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Brown RM, Ch'ng SS, Davis CC. Why did I eat that? Understanding the 'why' of compulsive behaviour towards food. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 127:110803. [PMID: 37245584 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Robyn M Brown
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
| | - Sarah S Ch'ng
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Caroline C Davis
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Yao YW, Song KR, Schuck NW, Li X, Fang XY, Zhang JT, Heekeren HR, Bruckner R. The dorsomedial prefrontal cortex represents subjective value across effort-based and risky decision-making. Neuroimage 2023; 279:120326. [PMID: 37579997 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Decisions that require taking effort costs into account are ubiquitous in real life. The neural common currency theory hypothesizes that a particular neural network integrates different costs (e.g., risk) and rewards into a common scale to facilitate value comparison. Although there has been a surge of interest in the computational and neural basis of effort-related value integration, it is still under debate if effort-based decision-making relies on a domain-general valuation network as implicated in the neural common currency theory. Therefore, we comprehensively compared effort-based and risky decision-making using a combination of computational modeling, univariate and multivariate fMRI analyses, and data from two independent studies. We found that effort-based decision-making can be best described by a power discounting model that accounts for both the discounting rate and effort sensitivity. At the neural level, multivariate decoding analyses indicated that the neural patterns of the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) represented subjective value across different decision-making tasks including either effort or risk costs, although univariate signals were more diverse. These findings suggest that multivariate dmPFC patterns play a critical role in computing subjective value in a task-independent manner and thus extend the scope of the neural common currency theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Wei Yao
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Max Planck Research Group NeuroCode, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Kun-Ru Song
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning and IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Nicolas W Schuck
- Max Planck Research Group NeuroCode, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany; Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Psychology, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning and IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Yi Fang
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Tao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning and IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Hauke R Heekeren
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Executive University Board, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rasmus Bruckner
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Max Planck Research Group NeuroCode, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
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Colton E, Wilson KE, Chong TTJ, Verdejo-Garcia A. Dysfunctional decision-making in binge-eating disorder: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105250. [PMID: 37263530 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Binge-Eating Disorder (BED) involves anticipatory craving and urges, subjective loss-of-control during binge-eating episodes, and post-feeding psychological distress and guilt. Evidence indicates neurocognitive dysfunctions contribute to BED onset, maintenance, and treatment response. However, an integrated understanding of how cognitive processes underpin BED symptomology is lacking. We utilised a multi-stage decision-making model defining ten cognitive processes underpinning Preference Formation, Choice Implementation, Feedback Processing, and Flexibility/Shifting, to comprehensively review research published since 2013. We used preregistered PICOS criteria to assess 1966 articles identified from PubMed, PsycInfo, and Scopus database searches. This yielded 50 studies reporting behavioural cognitive tasks outcomes, comparing individuals with BED to controls with normal and higher weight. Meta-analyses revealed a unique profile of cognitive dysfunctions that spanned all decision-making stages. Significant deficits were evident in Uncertainty Evaluation, Attentional Inhibition, Choice Consistency, and Cognitive Flexibility/Set-shifting. We propose a novel model of dysfunctional decision-making processes in BED and describe their role in binge-eating behaviour. We further highlight the potential for cognitive interventions to target these processes and address the significant treatment gap in BED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Colton
- Turner Institute of Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Kira-Elise Wilson
- Turner Institute of Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Trevor T-J Chong
- Turner Institute of Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Antonio Verdejo-Garcia
- Turner Institute of Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
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Davis HA, Smith GT. Examining the role of urgency in predicting binge size in bulimia nervosa. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1166119. [PMID: 37325755 PMCID: PMC10264643 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1166119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Greater binge size within bulimia nervosa is associated with elevated distress and impairment. Theoretical models posit that emotion dysregulation predicts binge eating, but little research has investigated the potential for dispositional traits that reflect difficulty in emotion regulation to predict binge size among women with bulimia nervosa. Research supports that negative urgency, the tendency to act rashly when feeling distressed, is associated with binge eating behavior among individuals with bulimia nervosa. Relatively fewer studies have explored associations between binge eating and positive urgency, the tendency to act rashly when feeling extreme positive affect. The urgency traits may predict greater binge size within bulimia nervosa. The current study sought to examine negative urgency and positive urgency as predictors of test meal intake in a sample of 50 women, n = 21 with bulimia nervosa and n = 29 healthy controls. Dispositional levels of positive urgency, negative urgency, positive affect, and negative affect were measured prior to a laboratory binge eating paradigm. Participants in the bulimia nervosa group scored higher on negative urgency, positive urgency, and negative affect than participants in the control group. Across participants, lower levels of negative affect were associated with greater test meal intake. Elevated levels of positive urgency predicted significantly greater test meal intake, but only for participants with bulimia nervosa. No other dispositional traits predicted test meal intake when the interaction of positive urgency and group was included in the model. Findings suggest positive urgency is an underappreciated, but potentially important, risk factor for greater binge size in bulimia nervosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather A. Davis
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Gregory T. Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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Sun X, Liu M, Xu X, Shi C, Zhang L, Yao Z, Chen J, Wang Q. Accumbal adenosine A 2A receptor inactivation biases for large and costly rewards in the effort- but not delay-based decision making. Neuropharmacology 2023; 222:109273. [PMID: 36252615 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The cost-benefit decision-making (CBDM) is critical to normal human activity and a diminished willingness to expend effort to obtain rewards is a prevalent/noted characteristic of neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease. Numerous studies have identified nucleus accumbens (NAc) as an important locus for CBDM control but their neuromodulatory and behavioral mechanisms remain largely under-explored. Adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs), which are highly concentrated in the striatopallidal neurons, can integrate glutamate and dopamine signals for controlling effort-related choice behaviors. While the involvement of A2ARs in effort-based decision making is well documented, the role of other decision variables (reward discrimination) in effort-based decision making and the role of A2AR in delay-based decision making are less clear. In this study, we have developed a well-controlled CBDM behavioral paradigm to manipulate effort/cost and reward independently or in combination, allowing a dissection of four behavioral elements: effort-based CBDM (E-CBDM), delay-based CBDM (D-CBDM), reward discrimination (RD), effort discrimination (ED), and determined the effect of genetic knockdown (KD) of NAc A2AR on the four behavioral elements. We found that A2AR KD in NAc increased the choice for larger, more costly reward in the E-CBDM, but not D-CBDM. Furthermore, this high-effort/high-reward bias was attributable to the increased willingness to engage in effort but not the effect of discrimination of reward magnitude. Our findings substantiate an important role of the NAc A2AR in control of E-CBDM and support that pharmacologically targeting NAc A2ARs would be a useful strategy for treating the aberrant effort-based decision making in neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Sun
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and Eye-Brain Research Center, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Min Liu
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and Eye-Brain Research Center, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Xinyu Xu
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and Eye-Brain Research Center, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Chennan Shi
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and Eye-Brain Research Center, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Liping Zhang
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and Eye-Brain Research Center, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Zhimo Yao
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and Eye-Brain Research Center, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Jiangfan Chen
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and Eye-Brain Research Center, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
| | - Qin Wang
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and Eye-Brain Research Center, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
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Haynos AF, Widge AS, Anderson LM, Redish AD. Beyond Description and Deficits: How Computational Psychiatry Can Enhance an Understanding of Decision-Making in Anorexia Nervosa. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2022; 24:77-87. [PMID: 35076888 PMCID: PMC8934594 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01320-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Despite decades of research, knowledge of the mechanisms maintaining anorexia nervosa (AN) remains incomplete and clearly effective treatments elusive. Novel theoretical frameworks are needed to advance mechanistic and treatment research for this disorder. Here, we argue the utility of engaging a novel lens that differs from existing perspectives in psychiatry. Specifically, we argue the necessity of expanding beyond two historically common perspectives: (1) the descriptive perspective: the tendency to define mechanisms on the basis of surface characteristics and (2) the deficit perspective: the tendency to search for mechanisms associated with under-functioning of decision-making abilities and related circuity, rather than problems of over-functioning, in psychiatric disorders. RECENT FINDINGS Computational psychiatry can provide a novel framework for understanding AN because this approach emphasizes the role of computational misalignments (rather than absolute deficits or excesses) between decision-making strategies and environmental demands as the key factors promoting psychiatric illnesses. Informed by this approach, we argue that AN can be understood as a disorder of excess goal pursuit, maintained by over-engagement, rather than disengagement, of executive functioning strategies and circuits. Emerging evidence suggests that this same computational imbalance may constitute an under-investigated phenotype presenting transdiagnostically across psychiatric disorders. A variety of computational models can be used to further elucidate excess goal pursuit in AN. Most traditional psychiatric treatments do not target excess goal pursuit or associated neurocognitive mechanisms. Thus, targeting at the level of computational dysfunction may provide a new avenue for enhancing treatment for AN and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann F. Haynos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, 2450 Riverside Ave, Minneapolis, MN F 253, USA
| | - Alik S. Widge
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, 2450 Riverside Ave, Minneapolis, MN F 253, USA
| | - Lisa M. Anderson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, 2450 Riverside Ave, Minneapolis, MN F 253, USA
| | - A. David Redish
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 6-145 Jackson Hall 321 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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