5.2 chapter for test 2

What four factors shape adolescent substance use?

• Brain development

• Peers & social influence

• Context & environment

• Neuropsychological factors (dopamine, serotonin, sensation seeking)

Which brain region involved in impulse control is still developing during adolescence?

A: The prefrontal cortex (PFC). Its immaturity contributes to impulsive behavior, poor decision-making, and increased addiction vulnerability.

what happens when drug use occurs during adolescence

The prefrontal cortex (PFC). Its immaturity contributes to impulsive behavior, poor decision-making, and increased addiction vulnerability

what happens when drug use occurs during adolescence

it can disrupt normal brain development, causing long-term cognitive deficits and greater addiction risk later in life

what is the role of the orbitofrontal cortex OFC

Processes:

• Emotion

• Taste

• Smell

• Reward value during decision-makin

what are the functions of the enterior cingulate cortex ACC

• Attention allocation

• Reward anticipation

• Decision-making

• Impulse control

• Emotion regulation

what are the three stages of the reward circuit in addiction

• Natural reward motivates normal behaviors.

• Drugs over-activate the reward system, producing euphoria.

• Adaptation reduces circuit sensitivity, making normal pleasures less rewarding

Why is adolescence a "window of vulnerability"

• Brain still maturing

• Dopamine/serotonin changes

• Strong novelty-seeking

• Limited coping skills

• Greater vulnerability to stress and risky behaviors

How do peers influence adolescent drug use?

Adolescents often use substances to:

• Gain acceptance

• Fit in

• Rebel against social norms

What are the three systems in the Triadic Model?

Brain Area	Function
Prefrontal Cortex	Control
Striatum	Reward/Approach
Amygdala	Emotion/Avoidance

What behaviors characterize adolescence according to the Triadic Model?

• Impulsiveness

• Danger seeking

• Emotional instability

• Social reorientation

during an approach context, which system tends to dominate in adolescents

The ventral striatum, promoting reward-seeking and risk-taking.

During an avoidance context, which system dominates?

The amygdala, increasing fear and emotional responses.

How can exercise help prevent substance use disorders?

• Increases reward from healthy behaviors

• Decreases drug-seeking

• Reduces negative emotions

• Improves inhibitory control

What two serious consequences are frequently seen in forensic medicine?

• Suicidal behaviors

• Sudden cardiac death (SCD

Which psychiatric factors are strongly linked to adolescent suicide?

• Depression

• Substance abuse

• Aggressive behavior disorders

What brain structure is central to the reward circuit discussed in the lecture?

The basal ganglia.

What is the first stage in the reward circuit?

Natural rewards (eating, socializing, sex) create motivation and habits

How do drugs affect the reward circuit?

They over-activate it, producing euphoria ("the high"

What happens after repeated drug exposure?

The reward circuit becomes less sensitive, making natural rewards less pleasurable

What four hallmarks of adolescence does the triadic model explain?

Impulsiveness, danger seeking, emotional instability, and social reorientation.

What are the three components of the triadic model?

Prefrontal cortex (control), striatum (reward/approach), and amygdala (emotion/avoidance).

Which structure promotes novelty seeking and risk-taking?

The striatum

Which structure is responsible for fear and avoidance?

The amygdala

What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in the triadic model?

Emotional regulation and behavioral control

In an approach context, which system tends to dominate in adolescents?

The ventral striatum.

Why is behavior different in adolescents compared with adults according to the triadic model?

The balance between reward, emotion, and control systems is tilted