Volkow Explains Link Between Substance Use Disorder, Obesity

Though obesity can be more complex than substance abuse disorder (SUD)—since obesity is regulated by multiple hormones—the two disorders share a common pathway involving dopamine, said NIDA Director Nora Volkow, M.D., yesterday at APA’s 2014 annual meeting. Volkow led an interactive session intended for psychiatry residents and fellows on the overlapping of neuronal circuits in SUD and obesity.

“Dopamine release increases when animals, or humans, are given drugs [such as cocaine]. This dopamine release is similar when we are given food—it creates a high. This is why it is difficult for people to control food intake and for some to quit using drugs.”

During an interview with Psychiatric News, Volkow said that she is supports adding obesity to the list of psychiatric disorders in future DSMs. “I was one of the psychiatrists to write an editorial to say that psychiatry should take an active role in the management, screening, and treatment of obesity for patients who have trouble regulating food intake.”

Volkow emphasized that some obesity may be brought on by the uncontrollable desire to eat, which can be a result of disruptive neuronal circuits—including the dopaminergic system—that regulates self-control. Because behavior is involved, Volkow stated, “obesity should be of great relevance to psychiatrists." >>watch video