Addiction

• What is the main focus of the "2 minute neuroscience" series?

  To explain neuroscience topics in 2 minutes or less
• What does the reward system refer to?

  A group of structures activated by rewarding experiences
• What neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the reward system?

  Dopamine
• How does the brain respond to a rewarding stimulus?

  By increasing the release of dopamine
• Which dopamine pathway is most often associated with reward?

  The mesolimbic dopamine pathway
• Where does the mesolimbic dopamine pathway start?

  In the ventral tegmental area (VTA)
• What is the role of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in the brain?

  It is one of the principal dopamine-producing areas
• What structure does the mesolimbic dopamine pathway connect the VTA to?

  The nucleus accumbens
• What is the nucleus accumbens associated with?

  Motivation and reward
• What happens to dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens when an addictive drug is used?

  Dopamine levels rise
• What is another major dopamine pathway besides the mesolimbic pathway?

  The mesocortical pathway
• Where does the mesocortical pathway travel to?

  To the cerebral cortex, specifically the frontal lobes
• How does dopamine relate to pleasure according to recent research?

  Dopamine activity does not correlate exactly with pleasure
• When are dopamine neurons activated in relation to rewards?

  Before a reward is actually received
• What role does dopamine play besides causing pleasure?

  Assigning importance to environmental stimuli associated with rewards
• Why is the mesolimbic dopamine pathway considered the main structure of the reward system?

  It is consistently activated during rewarding experiences
• How does the network of brain structures involved in mediating reward compare to the mesolimbic dopamine pathway?

  The actual network is larger and more complex
• What are the key components of the reward system in the brain?

  • Group of structures activated by rewarding experiences
  • Major neurotransmitter: dopamine
  • Key pathways: mesolimbic and mesocortical
  • Involves the VTA and nucleus accumbens
  • Larger network includes multiple brain regions and neurotransmitters
• Drug addiction can be physical, psychological or both.