Item Details

title

METHYLPHENIDATE TREATMENT AND REARING ENVIRONMENT: EFFECTS ON THE DOPAMINE SYSTEM AND VULNERABILITY TO SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN ANIMAL MODELS

author

Gill, Kathryn E.

abstract

The purpose of these studies was to investigate the effects of chronic methylphenidate treatment, at doses that have been associated with clinical efficacy in children, on the dopamine system and vulnerability to substance abuse in animal models. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed stimulant to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. As a dopaminergic agent, it has potential to cause long-term alterations of a neural system that has been associated with numerous psychopathologies, including substance abuse. Yet, few studies have examined its long term effects on the brain. Another factor that can influence vulnerability to substance abuse is early rearing environment, as children raised in negative environments are more likely to develop substance abuse disorders. These studies examined the interaction of environment and methylphenidate on the dopamine system and vulnerability to cocaine and alcohol abuse.

subject

alcohol

cocaine

dopamine

environment

methylphenidate

substance abuse

contributor

Porrino, Linda J (committee chair)

Reboussin, Beth A (committee member)

Beveridge, Thomas J (committee member)

Nader, Michael A (committee member)

Weiner, Jeffrey L (committee member)

date

2014-01-15T09:35:36Z (accessioned)

2014-07-15T08:30:09Z (available)

2013 (issued)

degree

Physiology and Pharmacology (discipline)

embargo

2014-7-15 (terms)

identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/39140 (uri)

language

en (iso)

publisher

Wake Forest University

type

Dissertation