119 Reward Processing – Related Orbitofrontal Reactivity Alterations in Patients Suffering from Problematic Pornography use

Abstract

Problematic pornography use (PPU) usually accompanied by compulsive masturbation is the most common manifestation of compulsive sexual behavior (CSB). Given the highly prevalent pornography consumption in non-clinical population, it remains largely unknown why for some individuals this activity leads to loss of control and negative psychosocial consequences. Determining neuronal mechanisms of CSB may play an important role in the development of more effective treatment strategies. In our previous studies (Gola et al., 2017) we have found that PPU subjects showed increased activation of brain reward circuits (ventral striatum) specifically for cues predicting erotic pictures but not for cues predicting monetary gains. The same pattern but with an opposite preference towards rewarding cues (monetary over erotic) was found in individuals with gambling disorder. Our current research focused on the activation patterns of posterior and anterior orbitofrontal cortex (pOFC and aOFC) which are another regions of interest, the first being engaged in processing of primary (such as food and sexual activity) and the latter in secondary (such as money and social reinforces) rewards.