ventral striatum

Effects of Alcohol on the Brain’s Dopamine Systems (2023 Review)

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Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is associated with impairments in dopamine (DA) neurotransmission, with significant differences in DA release, receptor availability, and transporter density observed across different levels of alcohol consumption and stages of AUD. Highlights: Acute Alcohol Effects: Social drinkers exhibit a dopamine release in the striatum, particularly the ventral striatum, after acute alcohol consumption, …

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Deep Brain Stimulation for Depression: Determining Optimal Targets & Protocols

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Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an emerging experimental therapy that has shown promise in treating patients with severe, treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Early research indicates DBS may help patients who have failed to respond to medications, psychotherapy, and other interventions. Key facts: DBS involves surgically implanting electrodes in specific brain regions to deliver mild electrical stimulation. …

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Deep Brain Stimulation for OCD: Long-Term Effects & Outcomes

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Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of a brain region called the ventral capsule/ventral striatum (VC/VS) may provide long-term relief for people with severe, treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), according to a new retrospective study. Key findings: 6 out of 9 people with severe OCD achieved remission after DBS surgery It took an average of 14 months for …

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