Reappraising the role of dopamine in adolescent risk-taking behavior

Author(s)

Franca, Thiago F. A. ; Pompeia, Sabine

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS; v. 147, p. 9-pg., 2023-02-20.

Abstract

Adolescence is characterized by increased risk-taking, which is often ascribed to developmental changes in dopaminergic signaling. Popular models propose that these behaviors are caused by dopamine-induced hyper-sensitivity to rewards, which overrides adolescents' immature self-control mechanisms. However, these models are often based on oversimplified notions about the workings and functions of dopamine. Here we discuss the relationship between changes in the dopaminergic system and adolescent behavior in light of current theories/ models about the functions of dopamine. We show that dopamine is linked to learning, adaptive decision-making under uncertainty, and increased motivation to work for rewards. Thus, changes in the dopaminergic system contribute to the maturation of cognitive control through various mechanisms, contrary to the false dichotomy between reward processing and self-control. Finally, we note that dopamine interacts with a number of other neuromodulator systems, which also change during adolescence, but that have been largely ignored in the field of adolescent development. A full understanding of adolescent behavior will require these neurochemicals and their interactions with dopamine to be taken into account. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/14750-0 - Effects of puberal development on self-regulation of behaviour and its relation with present and past life condition
• Grantee: Sabine Pompéia
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/11706-8 - Systematic review of the literature on the development of self-regulation of behavior during pubertal development
• Grantee: Thiago Fonseca Alves França
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral