Causes of Impulse Control and Non-Substance Addictive Disorders
TITLE
Describe the causes of impulse control disorders and nonš„substance addictive disorder.
ESSAY
š Causes of Impulse Control Disorders and Nonš„Substance Addictive Disorders
š Biochemical: Dopamine
The neurotransmitter dopamine plays a crucial role in impulse control and addictive disorders. Dopamine is released in response to rewarding stimuli, such as engaging in pleasurable behaviors. For example, a pyromaniac may experience a surge of dopamine when starting a fire. However, as the behavior is repeated, dopamine levels in the striatum decrease, leading to a cycle of compulsions and addictions. This phenomenon is known as 'reward deficiency syndrome'.
š Behavioral: Positive Reinforcement
Operant conditioning principles highlight the impact of positive reinforcement on behavior frequency. For individuals with impulse control disorders like gambling, positive reinforcement can come in the form of rewards such as money or the thrill associated with their actions. In the case of gamblers, the use of partial positive reinforcement, where rewards are not received every time, can fuel continued engagement due to the anticipation of a possible win.
š Cognitive: Feelingš„State Theory
The feelingš„state theory, as proposed by Miller (2010), posits that intense positive emotions play a significant role in addictive behaviors. Specific behaviors, such as gambling, become linked with intense positive feelings, leading to the formation of a 'stateš„dependent memory'. Individuals experiencing impulse control disorders may be driven by the intense feelingš„state, which encompasses emotions, thoughts, and physiological arousal. Engaging in the impulsive behavior can provide a sense of euphoria and power, counteracting negative selfš„perceptions and reinforcing the compulsive cycle.
In conclusion, the causes of impulse control disorders and nonš„substance addictive disorders are multifaceted, involving complex interactions among biochemical, behavioral, and cognitive factors. Understanding these underlying mechanisms is crucial for developing effective interventions and treatments for individuals struggling with these disorders.
SUBJECT
PSYCHOLOGY
LEVEL
A level and AS level
NOTES
Causes of impulse control disorders and nonš„substance addictive disorder include the following:
š„ Biochemical: dopamine
The neurotransmitter dopamine has been linked to impulse control and addictive disorders. Dopamine's release is triggered by rewarding stimuli, such as engaging in pleasurable behaviors. For example, a pyromaniac will feel the reward of this "happy chemical" when they start a fire. As the behavior increases, levels of dopamine in the striatum are reduced, leading to the perpetuation of compulsions/addictions. This phenomenon is known as "reward deficiency syndrome."
š„ Behavioral: positive reinforcement
Operant conditioning states that the frequency of a behavior is increased by the use of a reward. For individuals like gamblers, this reward can be in the form of money, while for kleptomaniacs and pyromaniacs, it may be the thrill associated with their behaviors. Positive reinforcement helps explain gambling well through schedules of reinforcement and partial positive reinforcement (where a reward is not received every time). A gambler may feel compelled to continue because they believe they "might" win next time.
š„ Cognitive: feelingš„state theory (Miller, 2010)
Intense positive feelings are associated with specific behaviors such as gambling. Impulse control disorders are caused by the formation of a "stateš„dependent memory" (feeling state) where strong links exist between these intense feelings and behaviors. The intense feelingš„state encompasses all emotions, thoughts, and physiological arousal, leading to impulseš„control problems and obsessions. Individuals with negative selfš„perceptions may experience a profound sense of euphoria and power when engaging in impulsive behaviors, temporarily overcoming those negative thoughts.