Abstract
Use of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Identify Risk Factors for Relapse in Patients With Stimulant Use Disorders
Highlights
The study by MacNiven et al[2] contributes to an important effort to validate findings from basic science studies with those from clinical research, which informs clinical management more directly
A recent meta-analysis of human positron emission tomography and single-photon emission computed tomography studies concluded that long-term stimulant users show relatively consistent changes in both the presynaptic and postsynaptic mesolimbic dopaminergic neurons indicative of a generalized downregulation of dopaminergic transmission.[4]
Given that the participants in the study by MacNiven et al[2] were almost entirely men, it will be important to confirm whether the association of NAcc responses to drug cues with relapse extends to women. This confirmation is vital, as women with stimulant use disorders may have more intense craving after drug cessation, and poorer clinical outcomes among women with stimulant use disorders have been reported in multiple studies.[6]
Summary
The study by MacNiven et al[2] contributes to an important effort to validate findings from basic science studies with those from clinical research, which informs clinical management more directly.
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