In neuroscience, the reward system is a collection of brain structures which attempts to regulate and control behavior by inducing pleasurable effects. The neurological reward system is part of what makes reinforcement possible. The major neurochemical pathway of the reward system in the brain involves the mesolimbic and mesocortical pathway. Of these pathways, the mesolimbic pathway plays the major role, and goes from the ventral tegmental area via the medial forebrain bundle to nucleus accumbens, which is the primary release site for the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine acts on D1 or D2 receptors to either stimulate (D1) or inhibit (D2) the production of cAMP.
Brain Function
A psychological reward is a process that reinforces behavior- something that, when offered, causes a behavior to increase in intensity. Reward is an operational concept for describing the positive value an individual ascribes to an object, behavioral act or an internal physical state. Natural rewards include those that are necessary for the survival of species, such as eating, drinking, sex, and fighting. Secondary rewards derive their value from the primary reward, and include shelter, money, pleasant touch, beauty, music, etc. The functions of rewards are based directly on the modification of behavior and indirectly on the sensory properties of rewards. For instance, altruism may induce a larger psychological reward, although it doesn't cause sensations. Rewards are generally considered more effective than punishment in enforcing positive behavior. Rewards induce learning, approach behavior and feelings of positive emotions.
No. of Studies (Positive/Negative)
7(7/0)
Positive relationships between Reward system and MDD (count: 5)
Dysfunctions of the reward system--in which the nucleus accu......
Dysfunctions of the reward system--in which the nucleus accumbens is a key structure--are implicated in the neurobiology of major depression.More...
This finding supports a pathophysiological model of depressi......
This finding supports a pathophysiological model of depression that includes reward/motivational pathway dysfunction.More...
Participants with MDD exhibited less neural response than co......
Participants with MDD exhibited less neural response than control participants in reward-related brain areas during both phases of the task. More...
Results suggest reduced reward network activation in MDD whe......
Results suggest reduced reward network activation in MDD when anticipating rewards.More...
Positive relationships between Reward system and other components at different levels (count: 5)
Genetic/epigenetic locus
Protein and other molecule
Cell and molecular pathway
Neural system
Cognition and behavior
Symptoms and signs
Environment
Positive relationship network of Reward system in MK4MDD
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Note:
1. The different color of the nodes denotes the level of the nodes.
Genetic/Epigenetic Locus
Protein and Other Molecule
Cell and Molecular Pathway
Neural System
Cognition and Behavior
Symptoms and Signs
Environment
MDD
2. User can drag the nodes to rearrange the layout of the network. Click the node will enter the report page of the node.
Right-click will show also the menus to link to the report page of the node and remove the node and related edges.
Hover the node will show the level of the node and hover the edge will show the evidence/description of the edge.
3. The network is generated using Cytoscape Web
Negative relationships between Reward system and MDD (count: 0)
Negative relationships between Reward system and other components at different levels (count: 0)