Neuroimaging advancements in understanding and diagnosing addictions

In recent years, significant advances in neuroimaging have accelerated our understanding of the intricate neural mechanisms underlying both substance addictions and behavioral addictions. Cutting-edge studies employing neuroimaging techniques, notably functional MRI (fMRI) and Single Photon Computed Tomography (SPECT), have begun to unveil complex neurobiological similarities and differences between substance-related disorders (such as alcoholism, nicotine dependence, opioid addiction, and stimulant abuse) and behavioral addictions (such as Internet Gaming Disorder, compulsive sexual behavior, gambling disorder, and problematic social networking). Despite these promising advancements, existing diagnostic tools still lack sufficient precision to fully capture and differentiate the neural correlates of these diverse forms of addiction, underscoring the need for continued exploration and refined diagnostic approaches.

This Research Topic aims to explore innovative diagnostic methodologies using advanced neuroimaging techniques to deepen our understanding of both substance and behavioral addictions. Papers should seek to help refine diagnostic criteria, develop more accurate predictive models for addiction vulnerability, and explore how neuroimaging techniques can help uncover shared and unique neural pathways in addiction.

We invite submissions on, but not limited to, the following topics:
- Neurobiological findings common to and differentiating substance addiction and behavioral addiction.
-Application and effectiveness of innovative neuroimaging techniques like fMRI and SPECT in characterizing neural substrates of addiction.
- Genetic and epigenetic interactions with neural circuitry regulating susceptibility, maintenance, and relapse across different addiction forms.
- Investigating neurotransmitter functioning and dopamine receptor availability in substance and behavioral addictions.
- Exploring neural markers for precision diagnostics and targeted therapeutic interventions in addictive disorders.
- Personalized treatment strategies informed by combined neuroimaging and genetic assessments.
- Advances in preventive measures informed by neuroscientific research related to substance and behavioral addictions.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review

Keywords: neuroimaging, addiction, substance use, behavioral, fmri, spect, pet

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.