Sex differences in addiction and stress-related disorders - Integrating preclinical, translational, and clinical studies

About this Research Topic

Background

The pronounced and clinically significant sex and gender differences in addiction and stress-related disorders represent one of the most critical themes in neuropsychiatry. The exploration of sex differences in these disorders is a rapidly evolving field that underscores the need to understand the distinct biological and psychological responses exhibited by males and females. Research indicates that genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors significantly shape these differences, yet the precise mechanisms remain underexplored. While numerous studies have illuminated various aspects of these conditions, there is a critical need for comprehensive approaches that integrate findings across different research methodologies and biological scales.

This Research Topic aims to bridge existing gaps by exploring and highlighting the genetic, environmental, and neurobiological underpinnings of sex differences in addiction and stress-related disorders. We seek to advance the knowledge concerning how these factors contribute to differing prevalence rates, progression patterns, and treatment outcomes based on sex or gender. By focusing on translational research, we intend to uncover mechanisms or identify potential pharmacological targets that could mitigate these sex differences, potentially leading to more effective treatment protocols tailored for each sex.

We welcome papers addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Preclinical studies exploring genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors underlying sex differences.
- Translational research focused on identifying mechanisms or pharmacological targets.
- Clinical and epidemiological studies on gender differences in prevalence and treatment outcomes.
- Synthesizing review articles on current evidence of sex and gender differences.
- Novel therapeutic approaches or intervention strategies addressing these disorders.

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
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review

Keywords: sex differences, addiction, stress, biological, psychological, genetic, environmental, neurobiological, preclinical, translational

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.

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