• addiction
• alcohol dependence
• eating behaviour
• fMRI
• nicotine dependence

In the last decades, obesity and addiction have constantly increased, emerging as important issues in public health. These two conditions share not only relevant epidemiology but also behavioural correlates. Neural correlates of these psychological/psychiatric conditions are usually evaluated through in vivo imaging techniques, namely functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) and especially through specific paradigms like picture evaluation task.
We recruited 73 subjects in four groups; ex alcohol dependence individuals (n=11), ex-smokers (n=17), obese on a weight management program (n=19), healthy volunteers (n=25). They underwent a fMRI scan during which they were asked to perform a picture evaluation task regarding images of food, alcohol and cigarettes. Questionnaire regarding mood, food habits and other psychological features were completed.
Ex-alcohol dependent group scored significantly higher in some mood related questionnaire and alcohol habit ones. Both groups, ex-smokers and ex drinkers scored higher than the other groups in smoking related questionnaires. In a direct comparison, ex nicotine dependent scored higher than alcohol abstinent participants.