"We present a brief overview of the incentive sensitization theory of addiction," researchers in the United States report (see also Addiction Medicine).

"This posits that addiction is caused primarily by drug-induced sensitization in the brain mesocorticolimbic systems that attribute incentive salience to reward-associated stimuli. If rendered hypersensitive, these systems cause pathological incentive motivation ('wanting') for drugs," wrote T.E. Robinson and colleagues, University of Michigan.

The researchers concluded: "We address some current questions including: what is the role of learning in incentive sensitization and addiction? Does incentive sensitization occur in human addicts? Is the development of addiction-like behaviour in animals associated with sensitization? What is the best way to model addiction symptoms using animal models? And, finally, what are the roles of affective pleasure or withdrawal in addiction?."

Robinson and colleagues published their study in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B - Biological Sciences (The incentive sensitization theory of addiction: some current issues. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B - Biological Sciences, 2008;363(1507):3137-3146).

For additional information, contact T.E. Robinson, University of Michigan, Dept. of Psychology, Biopsychol Program, East Hall, 525 E University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.

Publisher contact information for the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B - Biological Sciences is: Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG, England.

Keywords: United States, Ann Arbor, Addiction Medicine, Adrenergic Agent, Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitor, Amphetamine, Anesthetic, Central Nervous System Stimulant, Cocaine, Dopamine Hydrochloride, Drugs, Mental Health, Pharmaceuticals, Therapy, Treatment, Vasoconstrictor Agent, University of Michigan.