Disruption of orbitofronto-striatal functional connectivity underlies maladaptive persistent behaviors in alcohol-dependent patients.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Alcohol dependence is characterized by persistent alcohol-seeking despite negative consequences. Previous studies suggest that maladaptive persistent behaviors reflect alcohol-induced brain changes that cause alterations in the cortico-striatal-limbic circuit.

Methods

Twenty one alcohol dependent patients and 24 age-matched healthy controls performed a decision-making task during functional MRI. We defined the medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC) as a region-of-interest and performed seed-based functional connectivity analysis.

Results

Healthy controls were more flexible in adapting an alternative behavioral strategy, which correlated with stronger mOFC-dorsal striatum functional connectivity. In contrast, alcohol dependent patients persisted to the first esta

SUBMITTER: Lee S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3843019 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature