Vulnerability to Addiction: A Study Looks at Neuroreceptors and MPH

Are brain dopamine D₂ receptor levels predictive of an individual's response to psychostimulants? This study tracked differences in self-reported responses and in dopamine D . . .

Are brain dopamine D₂ receptor levels predictive of an individual's response to psychostimulants? This study tracked differences in self-reported responses and in dopamine D₂ receptor levels in 23 medically and psychiatrically healthy nonaddicted males (mean age, 34 years) who received 0.5 mg/kg of methylphenidate (MPH) intravenously.

Study participants underwent positron emission tomography with labeled raclopride (which binds to D₂ receptors) before and after receiving MPH and completed analogue scales for mood states and pleasant effect of MPH. There were significant negative correlations between D₂ receptor levels and happiness (r=-0.58, p=0.0005) and positive correlations between D₂ binding and annoyance (r=0.53, p=0.01) and distrust (r…

Reviewing Author

B Geller