Is there an evolutionary mismatch between the normal physiology of the human dopaminergic system and current environmental conditions in industrialized countries?

Abstract

A large body of evidence has recently defined a field theory known as 'evolutionary mismatch', which derives its attributes largely from the fact that current environmental conditions are completely different from those in which the human central nervous system evolved. Current views on the evolutionary mismatch theory lack, however, any attempts to define which brain areas or neuronal circuits should be mostly involved in coding such misevolved traits and to what extent our neurobiological knowledge can be applied to the topographical localization of a specific psychopathology. In this respect the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic circuits have long been misconceptualized as simple reward or reinforcement systems. Instead, they motivate and coordinate the functions of the higher brain areas that mediate planning and foresight and direct finalized movement in both animals and humans. These systems make animals intensely interested in exploring the world around them, but by the same means they also make them susceptible to the environmental stimuli that have been sought and consumed. It is has been speculated that the cortical dopamine targets that developed most recently in phylogeny are of particular functional value, and that the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic system is involved in more complex integrative functions than previously assumed. In the present paper I will argue that some mental disorders may have their deep roots in the evolutionary mismatch between the normal physiology of the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic system and the current environmental conditions in affluent societies. Molecular Psychiatry (2000) 5, 467-475.

Genes and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

“…One hypothesis suggested by these results is that the 7-absent allele may produce a partial syndrome with manifestations at the behavioral level of analysis (subjective impressions of symptom severity judged by parents and teachers) but not at the cognitive level of analysis (objective performance measures on tasks requiring attention). This is also consistent with principles of evolutionary biology that have been applied to account for psychiatric disorder [43,44]. For example, both Leckman et al [43] and Pani [44] have speculated that ancient environments shaped (by positive Darwinian selection) current genotypes that are not well-suited to modern environments.…”

“…This is also consistent with principles of evolutionary biology that have been applied to account for psychiatric disorder [43,44]. For example, both Leckman et al [43] and Pani [44] have speculated that ancient environments shaped (by positive Darwinian selection) current genotypes that are not well-suited to modern environments. Thus, disorders such as ADHD may be due to an environmental mismatch of formerly adaptive genotypes with the demands of modern society.…”

Introducing compassion-focused therapy

“…Depue & Morrone Strupinsky (2005) suggest that statusseeking, competitiveness and working to avoid rejection are all linked to the drive system. There is increasing concern that modern societies overstimulate the drive system (Pani 2000). In depression there is a toning down of the system, creating feelings of loss of positive affect and moti vation (Gilbert 2007).…”

Anorexia nervosa: an evolutionary puzzle

“…The range was not great and although there was a hierarchy, it was relatively flattened (Gilbert, 2001a(Gilbert, , 2004. The current existence of the influential, and largely visual, mass media, mean that comparison is now possible across a huge range of people so contrasts are much greater but the same psychology functions (Barkow, 1992;Gilbert, 1992Gilbert, , 2001aEtcoff, 1999;Pani, 2000). There are always available for comparison those who appear extremely successful (Tiggerman & Slater, 2003;Morrison, Kalin, & Morrison, 2004).…”

“…Consequently, the 'array of motivations, strategies and mental mechanisms' include ones for maintaining membership of, and cooperating and competing within, a group. One way evolution works is that those behaviours that have proven successful in the long run are experienced as rewarding and are sought out: those that have been unsuccessful are experienced as unpleasant and are avoided (Pani, 2000). Food tastes good and sex is pleasurable; succeeding and belonging feel good; loss, failure and exclusion are painful.…”