Fear Conditioning Effects on Sensitivity to Drug Reward

Abstract

This novel translational proposal examined how repeated stressor exposure in an animal model produces learned fear responses which emulate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and how such fear responses enhance sensitivity to drug reward and addiction-related behaviors. In the Veteran population, PTSD and substance use disorders are frequently comorbid conditions. An estimated 20% of returning Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Veterans have developed PTSD; substance abuse is also prevalent with 35% of OIF Veterans exhibiting alcohol abuse (Hoge et al. 2004). These comorbid disorders are often chronic and disabling, their etiologies and neural mechanisms are unknown and only partially effective treatments are available. This study will link PTSD-associated behaviors to subsequent addiction and will emulate aspects of the experience of traumatized Veterans.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA547601

Entities

People

  • Gary Kaplan

Organizations

  • Boston VA Research Institute

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Brain
  • Brain Injuries
  • Chemistry
  • Cognitive Science
  • Drug Abuse
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Iraqi-War
  • Neurons
  • Neuroplasticity
  • Neurosciences
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychology
  • Traumatic Stress Disorder

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse Science in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
  • Mental Health of Military Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Risk Factors, Prevalence, Symptoms, and Treatment.
  • Psychological Intervention/Treatment for Stress, Anxiety, PTSD, and Related Emotional and Cognitive Health Symptoms.