Dr Karly Turner (UNSW)

Abstract

It has been suggested that habits spiral out of control to produce compulsive behaviours, such as those experienced in people with addiction and OCD, and this process has been associated with higher levels of impulsivity. However, studying habits in the lab has been challenging and there is limited preclinical evidence for specific stimulus-response associations. To facilitate the translational dissection of the psychological and neural underpinnings of habits, we recently developed a novel paradigm to measure explicit and specific stimulus-response behaviours in rats. Using this task, we can dissociate impaired goal-directed control from habits, which is critical for understanding behaviour relevant to mental health disorders. In addition, this behaviour is persistent despite negative feedback, reflecting a core feature of compulsivity. In a separate series of experiments, we have also established a link between habits and high levels of impulsivity. Using fibre photometry and optogenetics, we have begun examining the role of the nucleus accumbens in impulsive actions. By developing new knowledge about the psychological and neural processes that support habits, impulsive and compulsive behaviours, we hope to advance the development of more effective interventions.