Recorded Presentation - Dr Jess Armine's part Patient Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) Webinar 1st October 2025

Reward deficiency syndrome (RDS)is a behavioural condition that links addictive, compulsive, and impulsive behaviours to a breakdown in the brain's reward neurotransmission. 

It's caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including: 
 
Genetic variants:Dysfunction of dopamine receptors, which are responsible for controlling feelings of well-being 
 
Environmental influences:Epigenetic changes that can impact the brain's reward circuitry 
 
Symptoms 
Low levels of dopaminergic functioning, which can lead to a lack of satisfaction with natural rewards 

Behaviours 
Addictive behaviours, compulsive eating, gambling, drug addiction, alcohol use disorder, sex addiction, smoking etc

Other associations 
Major depressive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder etc

The concept of RDS was developed through extensive research on animals and humans. The severity of RDS can vary, and it's possible that some people have a muted response to reward effects while others have an augmented response.

ABOUT DR JESS ARMINE

QUALIFICATIONS

I hold a degree as a Doctor of Chiropractic and a BSC in Nursing.  I hold chiropractic and nursing licenses in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
I am trained in Chiropractic, Methylation, Genetic Research, Neuro-Endo-Immunology, Functional Medicine, Nutrigenomics, Applied Kinesiology, Cranial Manipulation, and Nutritional Counselling.

CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE EXPERIENCE

I worked as an EMT/Paramedic in Brooklyn, New York, for several years before gaining qualifications as a registered nurse and working for 10 years in Emergency Care and Cardiac Intensive Care.

This has given me a thorough grounding in conventional medicine and recognizing and acknowledging underlying conditions that may need conventional testing and treatment.
If I feel a patient’s symptoms need a medical intervention I will always say so and refer them to the appropriate specialist. In some instances, I may not accept a case until I am satisfied that your symptoms requiring medical intervention have been thoroughly investigated.  I will liaise with your physician if required.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE EXPERIENCE

In 1986 I graduated from New York Chiropractic College, moving into alternative medicine, initially as a chiropractor.

I have always been extremely interested in helping those patients for whom conventional medicine doesn’t have the answers.  This led me to complete many courses in alternative topics.

I developed the Bio-Individualized Medicine concept along with my colleague Shawn Bean.  This advanced methodology correlates your genetics with neurology, endocrinology, immunology, acquired mitochodrial dysfunction, and cell membrane integrity to identify hidden imbalances creating a complex, chronic condition.

PUBLICATIONS AND GUIDELINES

I HAVE PUBLISHED SEVERAL PAPERS IN PEER-REVIEWED SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS. I CO-AUTHORED LEAKY GUT, LEAKY CELLS, LEAKY BRAIN WITH ELIZMA LAMBERT.  YOU CAN PURCHASE THE BOOK ON AMAZON.

WORKING PHILOSOPHY

I am one of the few health care practitioners specializing in correlating the Genetic SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) with Neuro-Endo-Immunology, Acquired Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Cell Wall Integrity to identify hidden imbalances. From there, I develop INDIVIDUALIZED treatment plans specific to the history and physiology of the individual patient. I constantly research the latest findings in genetics and functional medicine.
My passion is to discover and eradicate the root cause and subsequent effects of chronic illnesses in adults and children as well as to educate and empower my patients and practitioners alike.

INTERNATIONAL

In recent years I have traveled to several countries to see patients, give talks, and to train practitioners.

Using the internet I can deliver lectures and talks to any audience anywhere in the world if necessary using the services of a local interpreter.

If you or your group, society, or organisation would like me to deliver a talk or training, please contact office@drjessarmine.com so we can discuss topics, availability, and pricing.