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Abstract
Neuroeconomics is an interdisciplinary field that seeks to explain human decision making using a combination of research methods from neuroscience, (behavioral) economics, and cognitive and social psychology. With recent advances in functional neuroimaging and computing power, neuroeconomics suggests the possibility of examining psychopathology using a quantitative model based on objective metrics. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the theory of neuroeconomics and to review the literature on its application to psychiatric research. First, the concept of utility function in economic decision theory can be used to explain depressive symptoms with regard to lack of interest in money. Second, differences in attitudes toward uncertainty and risk suggest that avolition and anhedonia can be expected to reduce the influence of uncertainty on decision making. Third, some parametrically varied values of delay discounting show the relation of discounted value to risk of addiction. Finally, economic game theory can provide a model including social factors to address psychiatric conditions ; thus, it provides a useful framework for the current diagnostic classification systems for consideration of interpersonal factors. We expect that conduct of more interdisciplinary research in neuroeconomics and psychiatry will clarify diagnosis and contribute to the description of psychiatric disorders.
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Acknowledgments
This research was supported by a grant from the Korea Health 21 R&D, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea (A102065).
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