Citation

Laviola G, Adriani W, Terranova ML, Gerra G. Ann. Ist. Super. Sanita 2000; 36(1): 47-62.

Vernacular Title

Fattori psicobiologici di rischio e vulnerabilita agli psicostimolanti in

Affiliation

Laboratorio di Fisiopatologia di Organo e di Sistema, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Istituto superiore di sanit)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11070608

Abstract

Adolescence is associated with an increased risk of developing drug abuse/dependence. During this ontogenetic phase, brain and hormonal systems are still undergoing crucial maturational rearrangements, which take place together with significant modifications in psychosocial development. However, the neurohormonal and behavioural facets of adolescence have been poorly investigated in relation to the vulnerability to psychostimulants such as MDMA ("ecstasy") and amphetamine. Novelty-seeking, a temperamental/behavioural trait that is typical of this age period, might substantially contribute to psychobiological vulnerability to drugs. In animal models of periadolescence, the search for novel stimuli and sensations actually shares a common neurobiological substrate (the reward-related brain mesolimbic pathways) with psychostimulants. Periadolescent mice are characterized by an unbalanced and "extremes-oriented" behaviour and by elevated levels of novelty-seeking. A deeper understanding of psychostimulant effects during adolescence, and the interaction between genetic, neurobiologic, psychosocial, and environmental factors, will lead to earlier and more effective prevention strategies.

Language: it