Dynamic Brain Activity Tracks Craving Fluctuations

Researchers at Yale have developed a dynamic method to track rapid brain activity changes, particularly related to craving. Unlike traditional neuroimaging methods, which capture only a snapshot of brain activity, this approach provides a real-time view of how craving fluctuates.

The study found that people who experience strong cravings spend more time in brain states that amplify craving, while failing to engage brain networks that reduce craving. These findings could improve our understanding of neurological disorders like addiction and highlight the importance of brain network engagement over time.

Individuals with strong cravings stayed longer in brain networks tied to craving, while a lack of engagement in brain regions linked to reduced craving was observed. The study reveals rapid changes in brain activity, helping to understand disorders like addiction.

The findings were recently published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.
Source: https://neurosciencenews.com/craving-brain-activity-27632/