The Reward Deficiency Syndrome and Links with Addictive and Related Behaviors

Abstract

There are multiple theoretical and empirical attempts to capture the shared routes of different substance-use disorders and other disorders due to addictive behaviors, thus conceptually integrating the conditions. One is the reward deficiency syndrome (RDS) model that provides a biopsychological framework for addictions. The RDS model argues that individuals with hypodopaminergic features need extra external stimulation to achieve positive feelings like satisfaction or pleasure. The model argues that the hypodopaminergic features are predisposed by genetic factors that are responsible for dopamine homeostasis. While there exists some support for the model, further systematic studies are needed to validate it. This chapter describes the key constructs of the RDS model and discusses their potential implications for addictions while also acknowledging possible critiques and weaknesses.

Appendix 1

Reward Deficiency Syndrome Questionnaire (RDSQ-29) September 21, 2017

Below is a list of statements referring to everyday human behaviors. Simply indicate the extent to which each of the statements is true of yourself. There are no right or wrong answers.

		Totally disagree	Somewhat disagree	Somewhat agree	Totally agree
1	I don’t receive gratification from everyday life.	1	2	3	4
2	While doing a task or work, I find myself already planning the next task.	1	2	3	4
3	I consistently seek new situations and adventures.	1	2	3	4
4	I like activities that’ll give me an adrenaline rush.	1	2	3	4
5	I prefer being active when going out with friends rather than just talking with each other.	1	2	3	4
6	I can never get enough sex.	1	2	3	4
7	I’m almost always active.	1	2	3	4
8	I desire to participate in all aspects of life no matter the limits.	1	2	3	4
9	I’ve tried many sports in my life.	1	2	3	4
10	Others would consider my activities dangerous.	1	2	3	4
11	I regularly change my sexual partners.	1	2	3	4
12	I like to be always active.	1	2	3	4
13	My friends and family often worry about my lifestyle.	1	2	3	4
14	I like experimenting with extreme sports.	1	2	3	4
15	I need more stimulation than others.	1	2	3	4
16	It can happen that I have more than one sexual partner at once.	1	2	3	4
17	I cannot stand inactivity.	1	2	3	4
18	My friends or my family warned me several times that I overdo my recreational activities.	1	2	3	4
19	Extreme sports stimulate me.	1	2	3	4
20	No pain or tiredness can deter me from doing something that I am passionate about.	1	2	3	4
21	If nothing special happens during the day, I feel empty and bored.	1	2	3	4
22	Most people think I can’t sit still.	1	2	3	4
23	I like to live dangerously.	1	2	3	4
24	I need more excitement than others.	1	2	3	4
25	I often want a good time no matter what I have to do to get it.	1	2	3	4
26	Being inactive really annoys me.	1	2	3	4
27	I look for extreme challenges in my work, sports, or anything else.	1	2	3	4
28	When I’m doing something pleasurable, I can hardly stop myself.	1	2	3	4
29	Often, I want to feel stimulated no matter what I have to do to get it.	1	2	3	4

1. 1. Lack of sexual satisfaction (6, 11, 16)
2. 2. Activity (2, 7, 17, 22, 26)
3. 3. Social concerns (13, 18)
4. 4. Risk-seeking behavior (9, 14, 19, 23, 27)
5. 5. Additional items (1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 21, 24, 25, 28, 29)