title: Reward sensitivity, decisional bias, and metacognitive deficits in cocaine drug addiction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present research explored the effect of reward sensitivity bias and metacognitive deficits on substance use disorder (SUD) in the decision-making process.
  
  
  METHODS
  The behavioral activation system (BAS) was used as a predictive marker of dysfunctional behavior during the Iowa gambling task (IGT). We also tried to relate this motivational system bias to self-reported metacognitive measures (self-knowledge, strategic planning, flexibility, and efficacy) in the decision processes. Thirty-four SUD participants (cocaine dependent) and 39 participants in the control group underwent the IGT.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The SUD group was associated with a poorer performance on the IGT and a dysfunctional metacognition ability (unrealistic representation). An increase in the reward sensitivity (higher BAS, BAS reward responsiveness, and BAS reward) was observed in the SUD group compared with the control group and explained (through a regression analysis) the main behavioral deficits. More generally, an increase in the BAS reward responsiveness may be considered a predictive measure of risk-taking and dysfunctional behavior, not only in pathological (SUD) individuals, but also in subclinical individuals (controls).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We discuss the likely cognitive, brain, and neurotransmitter contributions to this phenomenon.
authors.affiliation: From the Research Unit in Affective and Social Neuroscience (MB), Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychology (MB, RF), Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Milan, Milan, Italy; and Laboratoire de Psychologie Médicale et d'Addictologie (SC), ULB Neuroscience Institute, CHU Brugmann-Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: Michela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Balconi
authors.forename: Roberta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Finocchiaro
authors.forename: Salvatore
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Campanella
mesh_terms: D016022:Case-Control Studies; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003657:Decision Making / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012201:Reward