Evolutionary mismatch, neural reward circuits, and pathological gambling.

Marcello Spinella

doi:10.1080/00207450390162254

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Evolutionary mismatch, neural reward circuits, and pathological gambling.

Marcello Spinella

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Abstract

Evolutionary mismatch theory has been applied to disorders of self-regulation such as maladaptive eating patterns and drug abuse. Modern gambling represents a refinement of the elements of risk and chance, which draw upon the faculties of judgment and novelty-seeking. A set of neuroanatomical structures, including prefrontal-subcortical systems and associated limbic structures, have been implicated in the processing of reward and punishment, including gambling-related situations. Neurobiological systems guiding choice and behavior have evolved to maximize chances for survival under hunter-gatherer conditions, and modern gambling represents an abrupt departure from these circumstances, sometimes resulting in pathological gambling.

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Biological Evolution Gambling Humans Models, Theoretical Neural Pathways Neuropsychology Reinforcement, Psychology Risk-Taking Journal Article Review

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Marcello Spinella. 2003. Evolutionary mismatch, neural reward circuits, and pathological gambling.. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207450390162254

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