Modified Brain Neuron Manipulation May Hold the Answer for Gambling Compulsion Treatment
In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Severance Hospital, a potential treatment for gambling addiction has been suggested. The study, which was based on experiments conducted on mice, could have significant implications for understanding and treating addiction-related behaviors.
The research focused on the nucleus accumbens, a region in the brain known to play a crucial role in reward-seeking behaviour and decision-making. The scientists discovered that the "dendritic morphology" in this region varies depending on an individual's risk-taking behaviour. Professor Kim Jeon-hoon, one of the lead researchers, was instrumental in this discovery.
The study involved separating the mice into two groups: risk-averse and risk-taking. Each group was presented with a choice between a low-risk option offering small, consistent rewards and a high-risk approach with larger, less frequent rewards.
Intriguingly, altering the neurons in the risk-averse mice to lower their neuronal excitability led to them engaging in riskier behaviour. Conversely, increasing neuronal excitability in the risk-taking mice resulted in more cautious decisions. These findings suggest that neuronal excitability plays a significant role in decision-making behaviour related to gambling.
The study's results could potentially lead to new treatments for gambling addiction. The treatment aims to lower levels of neuronal excitability, which could help individuals make more cautious decisions, thereby reducing their propensity to engage in risky gambling behaviour. However, it's important to note that further research is needed to determine the applicability of these findings to humans.
This study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that brain neurons could be manipulated to influence decision-making behaviour. The implications of this research extend beyond gambling addiction, potentially offering new avenues for treating other addiction-related behaviours.
While this study does not provide information on the researchers from South Korea who studied the aging of brain neurons for treating gaming addiction, it underscores the exciting potential of neuroscience research in addressing addiction-related issues. The study's findings serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between our brains, behaviour, and addiction, and the promising possibilities that lie ahead in understanding and treating these conditions.
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