Development of treatment methods based on the neural substrates of fatigue - Relationship between chronic fatigue and internet addiction -

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24600014
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: 子ども学(子ども環境学)
• Research Institution: Kumamoto University
• Principal Investigator: KAWATANI Junko 熊本大学, 医学部附属病院, 非常勤診療医師 (30423669)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): MIZUNO Kei 独立行政法人理化学研究所, 研究員 (60464616)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): JOUDOI Takako 熊本大学, 医学部附属病院, 助教 (90363522)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 疲労 / 意欲 / 報酬 / 自律神経 / 思春期 / 線条体 / ドーパミン / 依存

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this study was to clarify the neural substrates associated with motivation and reward systems and develop the methods for decrease and prevention of fatigue by controlling the autonomic nerve activity based on an objective evaluation of postexertional fatigue using the autonomic nerve function in patients with childhood chronic fatigue syndrome (CCFS) and internet addiction disorders. Decreases in the striatal activity and ability to regulate the autonomic nerve activity were observed in CCFS patients. We could develop the neurophysiological investigation methods for a treatment of dopaminergic system, regulation of autonomic nerve function and the objective evaluation for these interventions in CCFS patients.

Free Research Field

小児神経科学