Neural Correlates of Addiction: A Resting-State Meta-Analysis of Substance Use Disorders and Behavioral Addictions
Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and Behavioral Addictions (BAs) are two prevalent disorders with shared neurobiological underpinnings. This meta analysis aims to review and synthesize findings from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) studies investigating the neural correlates of AUD (Alcohol Use Disorder), CUD (Cocaine Use Disorder) and Internet Gaming Disorder (ID).
A comprehensive search of relevant literature yielded 51 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Findings from these studies were analyzed using GingerALE (activation likelihood estimation) meta-analytic software.
The findings revealed consistent alterations in resting-state functional connectivity within reward circuitry, including the striatum, insula, and prefrontal cortex, in both SUDs and BAs, when compared to healthy controls (HC). The analysis also identified shared alterations in resting-state functional connectivity within cognitive control and emotion processing networks, including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and amygdala. These findings suggest impaired cognitive control and emotional dysregulation, which contribute to the development and persistence of SUDs and BAs.
Despite these shared neurobiological features, the meta analysis also highlights some distinct patterns of resting-state functional connectivity alterations between SUDs and BAs. For instance, SUDs exhibited more pronounced alterations in hippocampal connectivity, while BAs showed more prominent alterations in insula connectivity. These findings suggest differential involvement of specific brain regions in reward processing and addiction between the two disorders.
Overall, this analysis provides compelling evidence for shared and distinct neural correlates of SUDs and BAs by providing insight into the underlying mechanisms of these disorders. Further research could elucidate the development of targeted treatment interventions.
