Elizabeth Dale Gilley

Title : Precision genomic addiction medicine as a frontline modality as a function of inducing “dopamine homeostasis” in reward deficiency syndrome (RDS): The future is now

Abstract:

Globally we are facing a serious pandemic of uncontrollable addictive seeking behaviors. The opioid crisis in America is just one important facet of this worldwide dilemma. The unfortunate fact is that in the United States 100,000 people prematurely died from opioid induced overdoses in 2021. Clinically providing opioids for opioid abuse reduces harm, it does not actually treat the underlying causes of this unwanted behavior. It is appreciated that one issue is linked to genetic polymorphisms tied to reward genes that constitute the well-characterized brain reward circuitry. In 1995 Blum’s group coined the term Reward Deficiency, Syndrome (RDS) as an umbrella term to help define the known common neurochemical overlap between substance and non-substance addictive behaviors. This construct has  received some mixed reviews but is continually  emerging as an acceptable psychological based disorder having both genetic polymorphic antecedents as well as known epigenetic insults. Currently, there are 213 articles listed in PubMed using the term RDS and “Reward Deficiency” with 1,406 listed (12/14/21). Understanding the potential impact of this construct may have on the addiction medicine field, the purpose of this perspective may provide the primary care physician and others with evidence related to RDS and its scientific basis. Moreover, we also highlight  a case whereby RDS science was utilized to successfully treat a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment resistant patient.  A RDS treatment plan developed by  one of us (EG), using Genetic Addiction Risk Severity (GARS) analysis, assessed neurogenetic challenge, for appropriate design of temporary pharmaceutical and long term nutraceutical intervention. As such we describe the RDS Solution Focused Brief Therapy (RDS-SFBT) and the RDS Severity of Symptoms Scale (SOS) which could provide the clinician with a viable tool for achieving neurological balance, allowing the patient to achieve self-efficacy, self-actualization and thrive.

What will audience learn from your presentation?

• Audience will be introduced to Reward Deficiency Syndrome Solution which include Genetic Addiction Risk Score Testing to determine phenotype and appropriate neutraceutical amino acid therapy.
• The presentation introduces the new RDS paradigm, another frame through which to view addictive behavioral expressions which self-medicate dopamine deficiency challenge.
• RDS Solution Focused Brief Therapy is explained.  A personalized  RDS Severity of Symptom (RDS SOS!) self-measurement test scale is introduced. 
• This case study report contributes novel application for personalizing comprehensive holistic treatment to address those neurogenetic issues which have previously remained untreated.
• This case study example of precision genomic addiction medicine is a model for the current transition of the treatment of Reward Deficiency Syndrome as a frontline modality to address RDS over the lifespan, not just in regards to addictive behavioral expression.

Biography:

Elizabeth Dale Gilley earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Wake Forest University,  in 1983, while lettering in Women’s Varsity Tennis. She also holds a paralegal degree in corporate law, with a bankruptcy specialty.  After serving as Assistant to the Chairman her father, James Gilley, she left his tutelage to incorporate The Elle Foundation, in 1995, in Dallas, Texas. The original mission statement was to help stop the generational cycle of addiction.  

After years of studying the financials of treatment centers and psychiatric hospitals,  she established the Elle Foundation Award of Excellence, in 2000, to showcase innovation and novel contributions of those who are raising the bar above the 1950’s  Minnesota Model industry standard.  This award is still given today, not for the scientists or doctors, but for those who are still suffering to offer hope that solutions are forthcoming. 

She returned to academia in her 50’s earning a Masters in General Psychology (2017) and a Post Masters Specialty in Addictions from North Central University  (2019), both with a GPA higher than Magna Cum Laude.   She is presently a Ph.D candidate at National University, where her focus is upon the neuroscience and neurobiology of addiction. She has created psychological applications: therapy and psychoeducation for the new Reward Dysfunction Syndrome paradigm, and the RDS Severity of Symptom measurement tool, which may prove to be a behavioral marker for recovery and/or reinstatement. 

In 2004, she unincorporated the Elle Foundation, making it a private nonprofit, and considers it her personal altruism. She as created two new divisions, Elle Research and Elle Resource.  While still conducting longitudinal research from the 100s series, Elle Research is developing its 200s series: Qualitative Exploratory Multiple Case Study to investigate the experiences of dually diagnosed patients, in the substance use disorder/ psychological/psychiatric  industry which services one size fits all treatment,  with pharmaceutical trial and error.  The 200s series will also include quantitative study of the same participates to investigate the effectiveness of Psychiatric/Psychological Genomics, RDS solution focused brief therapy and the RDS SOS.

Elle Resource will deliver these therapeutic advancements to the public, both locally and internationally through teletherapy, focusing upon psychological genomics for patients with dopaminergic RDS mental health clusters.  The Elle Foundation’s Dragon Slayer and Bridge Builder Ministry is reopening, in the fall of 2024, in Palm Beach Country to provide children’s and family services, introducing the new RDS paradigm,  in a psychoeducation art therapy format.

She has published consistently in peer review for the past 7 years and has presented at the past 3 global conferences on addiction medicine, behavioral health and psychiatry. She also serves as a global conference  scientific committee member.