Stress and Reward Neural Networks, Eating, and （压力和奖励神经网络,吃饭,）.pdfVIP

1 Stress and Reward Neural Networks, Eating, and Obesity Elissa S. Epel, A. Janet Tomiyama, Mary F. Dallman University of California, San Francisco To appear in: Handbook of Food and Addiction, Eds. Kelly Brownell Mark Gold 2,372 words, 50 references 2 Introduction1 Stress is becoming increasingly recognized as a factor leading to overeating and obesity. Here we present the evidence that stress-related eating follows well defined neural pathways that involve control over volitional behavior (prefrontal cortex or PFC), and subcortical areas controlling stress arousal and energy storage (limbic hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis or L-HPA) and strong motivational drive and impulsivity (nucleus accumbens). The limbic system and PFC each inhibit activity in the other, promoting a balance between slower reflective analytic reasoning, necessary to promote goal-directed behavior, and quick reactive survival instincts. Shifts in activity of this neural network, what we call here the 1 “PFC/limbic balance,” has well demonstrated effects on cognition and behavior during acute stress. It is now becoming clear that this neural network shapes eating behavior. We propose that a low PFC/limbic balance can lead to energy imbalance, and in particular, abdominal obesity . We first review neural and hormonal control over eating during basal conditions and then under stressful circumstances, showing that stress affects in large part activation of reward pathways, and impairs attempts to control eating. We conclude with suggestions for treatment of this widespread common behavior. Basic mechanisms underlying stress related overeating.1 Homeostat