Identification of stress-induced epigenetic methylation onto dopamine D2 gene and neurological and behavioral consequences.

The D2 dopamine receptor () gene has garnered substantial attention as one of the most extensively studied genes across various neuropsychiatric disorders. Since its initial association with severe alcoholism in 1990, particularly through the identification of the allele, numerous international investigations have been conducted to elucidate its role in different conditions. As of February 22, 2024, there are 5485 articles focusing on the gene listed in PUBMED.

Are We Getting High Cause the Thrill is Gone?

In the USA alone, opioid use disorder (OUD) affects approximately 27 million people. While the number of prescriptions may be declining due to increased CDC guidance and prescriber education, fatalities due to fentanyl-laced street heroin are still rising. Our laboratory has extended the overall concept of both substance and non-substance addictive behaviors, calling it "Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS).

Preliminary Observations of Personalized Repetitive Magnetic Stimulation (PrTMS) Guided by EEG Spectra for Concussion.

There are no FDA-approved treatments for the chronic sequelae of concussion. Repetitive magnetic transcranial stimulation (rTMS) has been explored as a therapy but outcomes have been inconsistent. To address this we developed a personalized rTMS (PrTMS) protocol involving continual rTMS stimulus frequency adjustment and progressive activation of multiple cortical sites, guided by spectral electroencephalogram (EEG)-based analyses and psychological questionnaires.

Evidence for the Gene as a Determinant of Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS).

Since 1990, published addiction psychiatry articles have exceeded 11,495. Several from Blum et al. showed the clinical relevance of the Genetic Addiction Risk Severity (GARS) test in identifying risk for reward deficiency behaviors in cohorts from polysubstance and pain clinics, post-surgical bariatrics, and DWI offenders facing prison time.