Studies of SUD and MDDs effect on decision-making based on the drift diffusion model

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) have been major medical concerns across the globe in the past century. These mental disorders are posited to arise from cognitive dysfunctions in the brain and have a critical influence on decision-making and emotional regulation in patients. Therefore, in-depth investigation into decision-making, a crucial composition of the cognitive system, can help uncover the fundamental mechanism of MDD and SUD and their relationship. By reviewing and contrasting decision-making studies of MDD and SUD through Drift Diffusion Models, this paper found that MDD and SUD reflect similar defects and impacts within the decision-making system. To conclude, though MDD and SUD are often seen as two completely unrelated and even contrasting mental conditions, this result suggests that they might be two sides of the same coin.