Open AccessDopamine dysfunction in stimulant use disorders: mechanistic comparisons and implications for treatment
Author(s) -
Milky Kohno,
Laura Dennis,
Holly McCready,
William F. Hoffman
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
molecular psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.071
H-Index - 213
eISSN - 1476-5578
pISSN - 1359-4184
DOI - 10.1038/s41380-021-01180-4
Subject(s) - stimulant , dopamine , methamphetamine , psychology , medicine , dopamine receptor , pharmacology , psychiatry , neuroscience
Dopamine system deficiencies and associated behavioral phenotypes may be a critical barrier to success in treating stimulant use disorders. Similarities in dopamine dysfunction between cocaine and methamphetamine use disorder but also key differences may impact treatment efficacy and outcome. This review will first compare the epidemiology of cocaine and methamphetamine use disorder. A detailed account of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties associated with each drug will then be discussed, with an emphasis on effects on the dopamine system and associated signaling pathways. Lastly, treatment results from pharmacological clinical trials will be summarized along with a more comprehensive review of the involvement of the trace amine-associated receptor on dopamine signaling dysfunction among stimulants and its potential as a therapeutic target.