This article examines how genetic risk for anhedonia is linked to distinct patterns of brain activity during reward processing, using polygenic risk scores and fMRI during a monetary incentive delay task. Findings suggest lower activation in reward-related regions during anticipation and feedback phases in those with higher genetic risk.

This piece is of interest to psychology readers because it connects genetic factors with neural mechanisms of motivation and pleasure, illustrating how biology can shape cognitive and affective processes involved in reward.

Article Title: Genetic risk for anhedonia linked to altered brain activity during reward processing

Link to PsyPost Article: ift dot tt/THsvVta

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#genetics #anhedonia #rewardprocessing #fMRI #psychobiology

The article describes a study showing that methamphetamine increases willingness to work for rewards through brain processes separate from its euphoric effects. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled design with 96 healthy adults, meth reduced sensitivity to the physical cost of effort and increased choices of the hard task, especially among those with lower baseline motivation, without altering how the odds of a reward were perceived. The findings indicate that mood and motivated behavior are mediated by different neural mechanisms.

This article is of interest to psychology for illustrating how motivation and mood can be dissociated and for revealing how decision-making under effort cost operates through distinct neurochemical pathways. It also highlights individual differences, showing that those with lower baseline motivation may benefit more from such stimulant effects, informing theories of drive and reward.

Article Title: Methamphetamine increases motivation through brain processes separate from euphoria
Link to PsyPost Article: ift dot tt/2rypDxN

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#Motivation
#Psychopharmacology
#Neuroscience
#DecisionMaking
#RewardProcessing