Reappraising the role of dopamine in adolescent risk-taking behavior

Autor(es)

Franca, Thiago F. A. ; Pompeia, Sabine

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS; v. 147, p. 9-pg., 2023-02-20.

Resumo

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)

• Processo FAPESP: 16/14750-0 - Efeito do desenvolvimento puberal na autorregulação do comportamento e suas relações com as condições de vida atual e pregressa
• Beneficiário: Sabine Pompéia
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Temático
• Processo FAPESP: 19/11706-8 - Revisão sistemática da literatura sobre desenvolvimento autorregulatório do comportamento de acordo com o desenvolvimento puberal
• Beneficiário: Thiago Fonseca Alves França
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Pós-Doutorado