NIH Guide: RESEARCH ON ORIGINS AND PATHWAYS TO DRUG ABUSE

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:  [email protected]
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