Citation

Rung JM, Peck S, Hinnenkamp JE, Preston E, Madden GJ. Perspect. Behav. Sci. 2019; 42(3): 397-417.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s40614-019-00200-7

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Delay discounting describes the tendency to devalue delayed consequences or future prospects. The degree to which an individual discounts delayed events appears trait-like in that it is stable over time and across functionally similar situations. Steeply discounting delayed rewards is correlated with most substance-use disorders, the severity of these disorders, rates of relapse to drug use, and a host of other maladaptive decisions affecting human health. Longitudinal data suggest steep delay discounting and high levels of impulsive choice are predictive of subsequent drug taking, which suggests (though does not establish) that reducing delay discounting could have a preventive health-promoting effect. Experimental manipulations that produce momentary or long-lasting reductions in delay discounting or impulsive choice are reviewed, and behavioral mechanisms that may underlie these effects are discussed. Shortcomings of each manipulation technique are discussed and areas for future research are identified. Although much work remains, it is clear that impulsive decision making can be reduced, despite its otherwise trait-like qualities. Such findings invite technique refinement, translational research, and hope.

Language: en

Keywords

Addiction; Delay discounting; Delay fading; Delay-exposure training; Impulsive choice; Substance use disorder