RESEARCH ON ORIGINS AND PATHWAYS TO DRUG ABUSE Release Date: January 16, 1998 P.T. National Institute on Drug Abuse PURPOSE The purpose of this notice is to emphasize the following research area, in conjunction with PA-97-043, Research on Origins and Pathways to Drug Abuse from the National Institute on Drug Abuse published in the NIH Guide, Vol. 26, No. 8, March 14, 1997. The research objectives are modified to include: studies on childhood psychopathologic and developmental conditions that are associated with vulnerability to later development of drug abuse and dependence, including disruptive behavior disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, learning and language impairments, cognitive dysfunction, and their co-occurrence. There is a particular need for studies that move beyond diagnostic categories, to examine underlying deficits and mechanisms for vulnerability, as well as protective features. Examples include affect regulation, psychophysiologic responses to anger, stress reactivity, executive cognitive functioning, sensation or novelty seeking and other temperament and personality constructs; studies of clinical subtypes, subclinical conditions, early stage disorders and atypical psychiatric states are also needed. The need for transactional and developmental approaches to the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental risk factors for drug abuse and dependence is strongly emphasized. Integration of various disciplines is urged, including behavior genetics, child development, neurology, and psychopathology.Traditional approaches to comorbidity may be augmented by biomedical components, explorating aspects such as underlying neurotransmitter changes, brain physiologic alterations, or physiological changes associated with puberty. Creative approaches that address these complex questions while conserving resources are welcomed, for example building on current longitudinal studies. INQUIRIES The opportunity to clarify issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Direct any inquiries to: Naimah Weinberg, M.D. Division of Epidemiology and Prevention Research National Institute on Drug Abuse Parklawn Building, Room 9A-53 Rockville, MD 20857 Telephone: (301) 443-6637 Email: nw46w@nih.gov
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