Dataset Information

Abnormal modulation of reward versus punishment learning by a dopamine D2-receptor antagonist in pathological gamblers.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Pathological gambling has been associated with dopamine transmission abnormalities, in particular dopamine D2-receptor deficiency, and reversal learning deficits. Moreover, pervasive theoretical accounts suggest a key role for dopamine in reversal learning. However, there is no empirical evidence for a direct link between dopamine, reversal learning and pathological gambling.

Objective

The aim of the present study is to triangulate dopamine, reversal learning, and pathological gambling.

Methods

Here, we assess the hypothesis that pathological gambling is accompanied by dopamine-related problems with learning from reward and punishment by investigating effects of the dopamine D2-receptor antagonist sulpiride (400 mg) on reward- and punishment-based reversal learning in 18 pathological gamblers and 22 healthy controls, using a placebo-controlled, double-blind, counter-balanced design.

Results

In line with previous studies, blockade of D2 receptors with sulpiride impaired reward versus punishment reversal learning in controls. By contrast, sulpiride did not have any outcome-specific effects in gamblers.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that pathological gambling is associated with a dopamine-related anomaly in reversal learning from reward and punishment.

SUBMITTER: Janssen LK

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4537492 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Abnormal modulation of reward versus punishment learning by a dopamine D2-receptor antagonist in pathological gamblers.

Janssen Lieneke Katharina LK Sescousse Guillaume G Hashemi Mahur Melina MM Timmer Monique Harmina Maria MH ter Huurne Niels Peter NP Geurts Dirk Everdina Maria DE Cools Roshan R

Psychopharmacology 20150620 18

<h4>Rationale</h4>Pathological gambling has been associated with dopamine transmission abnormalities, in particular dopamine D2-receptor deficiency, and reversal learning deficits. Moreover, pervasive theoretical accounts suggest a key role for dopamine in reversal learning. However, there is no empirical evidence for a direct link between dopamine, reversal learning and pathological gambling.<h4>Objective</h4>The aim of the present study is to triangulate dopamine, reversal learning, and pathol ...[more]

PMID: 26092311

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Dataset Information

Abnormal modulation of reward versus punishment learning by a dopamine D2-receptor antagonist in pathological gamblers.

Rationale

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Abnormal modulation of reward versus punishment learning by a dopamine D2-receptor antagonist in pathological gamblers.

Similar Datasets

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