title: Applying incentive sensitization models to behavioral addiction.
abstract: The incentive sensitization theory is a promising model for understanding the mechanisms underlying drug addiction, and has received support in animal and human studies. So far the theory has not been applied to the case of behavioral addictions like Gambling Disorder, despite sharing clinical symptoms and underlying neurobiology. We examine the relevance of this theory for Gambling Disorder and point to predictions for future studies. The theory promises a significant contribution to the understanding of behavioral addiction and opens new avenues for treatment.
authors.affiliation: Centre of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, University of Aarhus, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. Electronic address: krth@cfin.dk.
authors.forename: Kristine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rømer Thomsen
authors.affiliation: Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
authors.forename: Lone O
authors.initials: LO
authors.lastname: Fjorback
authors.affiliation: Centre of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, University of Aarhus, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
authors.forename: Arne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Møller
authors.affiliation: Centre of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, University of Aarhus, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
authors.forename: Hans C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Lou
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D005715:Gambling / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008959:Models, Neurological; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy
keywords: Addiction; Craving; Gambling; Incentive salience; Mindfulness; Sensitization