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Baker C, Fairclough S, Ogden RS, Barnes R, Tootill J. Trait impulsivity influences behavioural and physiological responses to threat in a virtual environment. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9484. [PMID: 38664505 PMCID: PMC11045749 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60300-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Trait impulsivity represents a tendency to take action without forethought or consideration of consequences. This trait is multifaceted and can be decomposed into attentional, motor and non-planning subtypes of impulsivity. The purpose of the current study was to investigate how subtypes of trait impulsivity responded to different degrees of threat within room-scale virtual reality (VR) with respect to behaviour and level of physiological activation. Thirty-four participants were required to negotiate a virtual environment (VE) where they walked at height with the continuous threat of a virtual 'fall.' Behavioural measures related to the speed of movement, interaction frequency and risk were collected. Participants also wore ambulatory sensors to collect data from electrocardiogram (ECG) and electrodermal activity (EDA). Our results indicated that participants who scored highly on non-planning impulsivity exhibited riskier behaviour and higher skin conductance level (SCL). Participants with higher motor impulsivity interacted with more objects in the VE when threat was high, they also exhibited contradictory indicators of physiological activation. Attentional impulsivity was associated with a greater number of falls across the VE. The results demonstrate that subtypes of trait impulsivity respond to threats via different patterns of behaviour and levels of physiological activation, reinforcing the multifaceted nature of the trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Baker
- School of Computer Science & Mathematics, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.
| | | | - Ruth S Ogden
- School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rachel Barnes
- School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jessica Tootill
- School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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2
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Moukaddam N, Lamichhane B, Salas R, Goodman W, Sabharwal A. Modeling Suicidality with Multimodal Impulsivity Characterization in Participants with Mental Health Disorder. Behav Neurol 2023; 2023:8552180. [PMID: 37575401 PMCID: PMC10423091 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8552180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Suicide is one of the leading causes of death across different age groups. The persistence of suicidal ideation and the progression of suicidal ideations to action could be related to impulsivity, the tendency to act on urges with low temporal latency, and little forethought. Quantifying impulsivity could thus help suicidality estimation and risk assessments in ideation-to-action suicidality frameworks. Methods To model suicidality with impulsivity quantification, we obtained questionnaires, behavioral tests, heart rate variability (HRV), and resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging measurements from 34 participants with mood disorders. The participants were categorized into three suicidality groups based on their Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview: none, low, and moderate to severe. Results Questionnaire and HRV-based impulsivity measures were significantly different between the suicidality groups with higher subscales of impulsivity associated with higher suicidality. A multimodal system to characterize impulsivity objectively resulted in a classification accuracy of 96.77% in the three-class suicidality group prediction task. Conclusions This study elucidates the relative sensitivity of various impulsivity measures in differentiating participants with suicidality and demonstrates suicidality prediction with high accuracy using a multimodal objective impulsivity characterization in participants with mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidal Moukaddam
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bishal Lamichhane
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ramiro Salas
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- The Menninger Clinic, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wayne Goodman
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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3
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Lees T, White R, Zhang X, Ram N, Gatzke-Kopp LM. Decision-making in uncertain contexts: The role of autonomic markers in resolving indecision. Int J Psychophysiol 2022; 177:220-229. [PMID: 35640857 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2022.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Although impulsivity is associated with an increased willingness to make risky decisions, uncertainty intolerance may also contribute to maladaptive decision-making behavior, where individuals neglect to pursue potential rewards even when probabilities for success are in their favor. Several theories have sought to explain the neural systems that guide decision-making in this context, with evidence supporting a role for increased sympathetic activation. However, it remains unclear whether the sympathetic system is associated with greater apprehension in response to uncertain outcomes, or whether it serves to guide behavioral decisions in the context of this uncertainty. Furthermore, although postulated as a within-person process, most research has examined the association between decision behavior and sympathetic activation at the between-person level. We hypothesize that in the context of uncertainty between-person differences in skin conductance will be associated with longer deliberation times; whereas within-person trial-level increases in skin conductance will be associated with a tendency to reject uncertain options. Data were collected from n = 56 children aged 7-11 years, using a computerized card game in which children chose to accept or reject cards of varying point value at varying levels of probability. Skin conductance level (SCL) was recorded throughout the task. No significant between-person associations emerged. However, within-person analyses indicated that momentary deliberation time moderated the association between momentary skin-conductance and decision outcome. This moderation was such that for trials during which the individual deliberated longer (i.e., was more indecisive), a concurrent increase in skin conductance was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of rejecting the card. The within-person nature of these results suggests that skin conductance may help in resolving indecision in the context of uncertainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ty Lees
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, 115 Health & Human Development Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Roisin White
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, 115 Health & Human Development Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Xutong Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, West 5th Campus, Administration B3, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3K7, Canada.
| | - Nilam Ram
- Departments of Communication and Psychology, Stanford University, Building 120, Room 110, 450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford University, Stanford 94305, CA, USA.
| | - Lisa M Gatzke-Kopp
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, 115 Health & Human Development Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, 115 Health & Human Development Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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Krpan D. Exploring the need for external input through the prism of social, material and sensation seeking input. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:211373. [PMID: 35620010 PMCID: PMC9128857 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.211373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
External input is any kind of physical stimulation created by an individual's surroundings that can be detected by the senses. The present research established a novel conceptualization of this construct by investigating it in relation to the needs for material, social and sensation seeking input, and by testing whether these needs predict psychological functioning during long- and short-term input deprivation. It was established that the three needs constitute different dimensions of an overarching construct (i.e. need for external input). The research also suggested that the needs for social and sensation seeking input are negatively linked to people's experiences of long-term input deprivation (i.e. COVID-19 restrictions), and that the need for material input may negatively predict the experiences of short-term input deprivation (i.e. sitting in a chair without doing anything else but thinking). Overall, this research indicates that the needs for social, material and sensation seeking input may have fundamental implications for experiences and actions in a range of different contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Krpan
- Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science, London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, UK
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Krpan D. Exploring the need for external input through the prism of social, material and sensation seeking input. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022. [PMID: 35620010 DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5990042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
External input is any kind of physical stimulation created by an individual's surroundings that can be detected by the senses. The present research established a novel conceptualization of this construct by investigating it in relation to the needs for material, social and sensation seeking input, and by testing whether these needs predict psychological functioning during long- and short-term input deprivation. It was established that the three needs constitute different dimensions of an overarching construct (i.e. need for external input). The research also suggested that the needs for social and sensation seeking input are negatively linked to people's experiences of long-term input deprivation (i.e. COVID-19 restrictions), and that the need for material input may negatively predict the experiences of short-term input deprivation (i.e. sitting in a chair without doing anything else but thinking). Overall, this research indicates that the needs for social, material and sensation seeking input may have fundamental implications for experiences and actions in a range of different contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Krpan
- Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science, London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, UK
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6
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Liu Y, Narasimhan S, Schriver BJ, Wang Q. Perceptual Behavior Depends Differently on Pupil-Linked Arousal and Heartbeat Dynamics-Linked Arousal in Rats Performing Tactile Discrimination Tasks. Front Syst Neurosci 2021; 14:614248. [PMID: 33505252 PMCID: PMC7829454 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2020.614248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Several physiology signals, including heart rate and pupil size, have been widely used as peripheral indices of arousal to evaluate the effects of arousal on brain functions. However, whether behavior depends differently on arousal indexed by these physiological signals remains unclear. We simultaneously recorded electrocardiogram (ECG) and pupil size in head-fixed rats performing tactile discrimination tasks. We found both heartbeat dynamics and pupil size co-varied with behavioral outcomes, indicating behavior was dependent upon arousal indexed by the two physiological signals. To estimate the potential difference between the effects of pupil-linked arousal and heart rate-linked arousal on behavior, we constructed a Bayesian decoder to predict animals' behavior from pupil size and heart rate prior to stimulus presentation. The performance of the decoder was significantly better when using both heart rate and pupil size as inputs than when using either of them alone, suggesting the effects of the two arousal systems on behavior are not completely redundant. Supporting this notion, we found that, on a substantial portion of trials correctly predicted by the heart rate-based decoder, the pupil size-based decoder failed to correctly predict animals' behavior. Taken together, these results suggest that pupil-linked and heart rate-linked arousal systems exert different influences on animals' behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Shreya Narasimhan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Brian J Schriver
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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Lisoni J, Miotto P, Barlati S, Calza S, Crescini A, Deste G, Sacchetti E, Vita A. Change in core symptoms of borderline personality disorder by tDCS: A pilot study. Psychiatry Res 2020; 291:113261. [PMID: 32622171 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) recognizes several psychopathological dimensions related to prefrontal cortex impairments. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) targeting the right prefrontal dorsolateral cortex (DLPFC) positively influence cognitive functions related to impulsivity in healthy subjects. A randomized double-blind study was designed to investigate whether tDCS could modulate core dimensions (impulsivity, aggression, affective dysregulation) of BPD. Also effects on decision making process and substances craving was assessed. Patients were randomized to receive active-tDCS at 2 mA versus sham-tDCS, once a day for 15 sessions. Anode was placed on the right DLPFC (F4), cathode on the left DLPFC (F3). Impulsivity and aggression measures were significantly reduced only in patients treated with active-tDCS. Decision-making process was marginally influenced by the active current. Craving intensity was reduced only in the active-tDCS sample. Both groups showed improvements in the affective dysregulation dimension and anxious and depressive symptoms. The application of bilateral tDCS targeting right DLPFC with anodal stimulation seems to improve core dimensions of BPD (mainly impulsivity and aggression) probably by restoring prefrontal activity. tDCS might be a potential tool for preventing self-harming behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Lisoni
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia Italy.
| | - Paola Miotto
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia Italy.
| | - Stefano Barlati
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy. Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia Italy.
| | - Stefano Calza
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy. Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia Italy.
| | - Alessandra Crescini
- Department of Mental Health, ASST Valcamonica, Esine, Italy. Via Manzoni 142, Esine, Brescia ITALY
| | - Giacomo Deste
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia Italy.
| | - Emilio Sacchetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy. Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia Italy.
| | - Antonio Vita
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy. Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia Italy.
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Pomper JK, Spadacenta S, Bunjes F, Arnstein D, Giese MA, Thier P. Representation of the observer's predicted outcome value in mirror and nonmirror neurons of macaque F5 ventral premotor cortex. J Neurophysiol 2020; 124:941-961. [PMID: 32783574 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00234.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In the search for the function of mirror neurons, a previous study reported that F5 mirror neuron responses are modulated by the value that the observing monkey associates with the grasped object. Yet we do not know whether mirror neurons are modulated by the expected reward value for the observer or also by other variables, which are causally dependent on value (e.g., motivation, attention directed at the observed action, arousal). To clarify this, we trained two rhesus macaques to observe a grasping action on an object kept constant, followed by four fully predictable outcomes of different values (2 outcomes with positive and 2 with negative emotional valence). We found a consistent order in population activity of both mirror and nonmirror neurons that matches the order of the value of this predicted outcome but that does not match the order of the above-mentioned value-dependent variables. These variables were inferred from the probability not to abort a trial, saccade latency, modulation of eye position during action observation, heart rate, and pupil size. Moreover, we found subpopulations of neurons tuned to each of the four predicted outcome values. Multidimensional scaling revealed equal normalized distances of 0.25 between the two positive and between the two negative outcomes suggesting the representation of a relative value, scaled to the task setting. We conclude that F5 mirror neurons and nonmirror neurons represent the observer's predicted outcome value, which in the case of mirror neurons may be transferred to the observed object or action.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Both the populations of F5 mirror neurons and nonmirror neurons represent the predicted value of an outcome resulting from the observation of a grasping action. Value-dependent motivation, arousal, and attention directed at the observed action do not provide a better explanation for this representation. The population activity's metric suggests an optimal scaling of value representation to task setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joern K Pomper
- Department of Cognitive Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Silvia Spadacenta
- Department of Cognitive Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Friedemann Bunjes
- Department of Cognitive Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Arnstein
- Department of Cognitive Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Martin A Giese
- Section for Computational Sensomotorics, Department of Cognitive Neurology, Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Peter Thier
- Department of Cognitive Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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Gallant C, Good D. Alcohol misuse and traumatic brain injury: a review of the potential roles of dopaminergic dysfunction and physiological underarousal post-injury. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-ADULT 2019; 28:501-511. [PMID: 31561716 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2019.1670181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Although many researchers have demonstrated an increase in alcohol use following traumatic brain injury (TBI), there is also a body of research indicating that alcohol misuse predisposes one to injury and precedes TBI. Accordingly, various mechanisms have been proposed (e.g., self-medication, dampened levels of arousal, dopaminergic dysfunction, etc.) and variable results have emerged. This paper reviews the empirical evidence, for and against, TBI as a risk factor for alcohol misuse. In particular, this paper focuses on the brain-behavior relationships involved and examines the roles of physiological underarousal and dopaminergic dysfunction in the development of alcohol misuse after injury. Alcohol misuse impedes community reintegration among TBI survivors and creates additional rehabilitative challenges. Thus, in order to inform and improve treatment outcomes among this vulnerable population, a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms implicated is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn Gallant
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Dawn Good
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuroscience, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
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Does impulsivity converge distinctively with inhibitory control? Disentangling the cold and hot aspects of inhibitory control. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Herman AM, Rae CL, Critchley HD, Duka T. Interoceptive accuracy predicts nonplanning trait impulsivity. Psychophysiology 2019; 56:e13339. [DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra M. Herman
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience School of Psychology, University of Sussex Brighton United Kingdom
- Sussex Addiction and Intervention Centre University of Sussex Brighton United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte L. Rae
- Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science University of Sussex Brighton United Kingdom
- Department of Neuroscience Brighton and Sussex Medical School Brighton United Kingdom
| | - Hugo D. Critchley
- Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science University of Sussex Brighton United Kingdom
- Department of Neuroscience Brighton and Sussex Medical School Brighton United Kingdom
- Sussex Partnership, NHS Foundation Trust Brighton United Kingdom
| | - Theodora Duka
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience School of Psychology, University of Sussex Brighton United Kingdom
- Sussex Addiction and Intervention Centre University of Sussex Brighton United Kingdom
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The impact of Yohimbine-induced arousal on facets of behavioural impulsivity. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:1783-1795. [PMID: 30635680 PMCID: PMC6602985 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5160-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE State-dependent changes in physiological arousal may influence impulsive behaviours. OBJECTIVES To examine the relationship between arousal and impulsivity, we assessed the effects of yohimbine (an α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist, which increases physiological arousal via noradrenaline release) on performance on established laboratory-based impulsivity measures in healthy volunteers. METHODS Forty-three participants received a single dose of either yohimbine hydrochloride or placebo before completing a battery of impulsivity measures. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored throughout the study. RESULTS Participants in the yohimbine group showed higher blood pressure and better response inhibition in the Stop Signal Task, relative to the placebo group. Additionally, individual changes in blood pressure were associated with performance on Delay Discounting and Information Sampling tasks: raised blood pressure following drug ingestion was associated with more far-sighted decisions in the Delay Discounting Task (lower temporal impulsivity) yet reduced information gathering in the Information Sampling Task (increased reflection impulsivity). CONCLUSIONS These results support the notion that impulsive behaviour is dependent upon state physiological arousal; however, distinct facets of impulsivity are differentially affected by physiological changes.
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Herman AM, Critchley HD, Duka T. Risk-Taking and Impulsivity: The Role of Mood States and Interoception. Front Psychol 2018; 9:1625. [PMID: 30210421 PMCID: PMC6123387 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The consequences of impulsive decisions and actions represent a major source of concern to the health and well-being of individuals and society. It is, therefore, crucial to understand the factors which contribute to impulsive behaviors. Here, we examined how personality traits of behavioral tendencies, interoceptive sensibility as well as transient mood states predict behavioral performance on impulsivity and risk-taking tasks. Method: 574 (121 males; age 18–45) individuals completed self-report personality measures of impulsivity, reward sensitivity, punishment avoidance as well as interoceptive sensibility, undertook a mood assessment and performed a set of cognitive tasks: delay discounting (temporal impulsivity), probability discounting (risk-taking), and reflection impulsivity task. Data were interrogated using principal component analysis, correlations and regression analyses to test mutual relationships between personality traits, interoceptive sensibility, mood state and impulsive behaviors. Results: We observed a clear separation of measures used, both trait and behavioral. Namely, sensation-seeking, reward sensitivity and probability discounting reflected risk-taking. These were separate from measures associated with impulsivity, both trait (negative and positive urgency, premeditation, perseverance) and behavioral (delayed discounting and reflection impulsivity). This separation was further highlighted by their relationship with the current emotional state: positive affect was associated with increased risk-taking tendencies and risky decision-making, while negative emotions were related to heightened impulsivity measures. Interoceptive sensibility was only associated with negative emotions component. Conclusion: Our findings support the proposal that risk-taking and impulsivity represent distinct constructs that are differentially affected by current mood states. This novel insight enhances our understanding of impulsive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra M Herman
- Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom.,Sussex Addiction and Intervention Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Hugo D Critchley
- Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom.,Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Theodora Duka
- Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom.,Sussex Addiction and Intervention Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
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Gallant C, Barry N, Good D. Physiological underarousal as a mechanism of aggressive behavior in university athletes with a history of concussion. Brain Behav 2018; 8:e01038. [PMID: 30030911 PMCID: PMC6085900 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research has indicated that athletes who engage in high-risk athletic activities, such as football and hockey, have riskier personalities than their low-risk and nonathlete counterparts (Ahmadi et al., 2011, Procedia Soc Behav Sci, 30 and 247-251; Zuckerman, 1983, Biological bases of sensation seeking, impulsivity, and anxiety, Lawrence Erlbaum Assoc Inc.). For instance, increased sensation-seeking and aggression are common in high-risk athletes, rendering these individuals more likely to sustain a subsequent injury, such as concussion. Elevated levels of certain personality traits, including impulsivity and aggression, have also been observed after concussion (Goswami et al., 2016, Brain Struct Funct, 221 and 1911-1925). The purpose of this study therefore was to determine whether aggressive behavior in university athletes may be accounted for, in part, by a history of concussion, rather than exclusively athletic status. METHODS Using a quasi-experimental design, 66 university students (n = 18 nonathletes, n = 24 low-risk athletes, n = 24 high-risk athletes) with (n = 27) and without a history of concussion (n = 39) completed the Buss & Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ; Buss & Perry, , J Pers Soc Psychol, 63 and 452) and provided electrodermal activation (EDA) as an index of physiological arousal. RESULTS It was found that decreased physiological arousal among students with a history of concussion was associated with greater endorsement of physical aggression. Moreover, athletic status did not account for this pattern of aggression, as athletes and nonathletes did not differ in terms of self-reported aggressive tendencies. CONCLUSIONS Physiological compromise after concussive injury may act as an independent mechanism of aggressive behavior in athletes beyond factors, such as athletic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn Gallant
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Nicole Barry
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Dawn Good
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuroscience, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
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Fanti KA. Understanding heterogeneity in conduct disorder: A review of psychophysiological studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 91:4-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Herman AM, Critchley HD, Duka T. The role of emotions and physiological arousal in modulating impulsive behaviour. Biol Psychol 2018; 133:30-43. [PMID: 29391179 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2018.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Impulsivity received considerable attention in the context of drug misuse and certain neuropsychiatric conditions. Because of its great health and well-being importance, it is crucial to understand factors which modulate impulsive behaviour. As a growing body of literature indicates the role of emotional and physiological states in guiding our actions and decisions, we argue that current affective state and physiological arousal exert a significant influence on behavioural impulsivity. As 'impulsivity' is a heterogeneous concept, in this paper, we review key theories of the topic and summarise information about distinct impulsivity subtypes and their methods of assessment, pointing out to the differences between the various components of the construct. Moreover, we review existing literature on the relationship between emotional states, arousal and impulsive behaviour and suggest directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra M Herman
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom.
| | - Hugo D Critchley
- Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom; Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Theodora Duka
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom.
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17
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Krause A, Puppe B, Langbein J. Coping Style Modifies General and Affective Autonomic Reactions of Domestic Pigs in Different Behavioral Contexts. Front Behav Neurosci 2017; 11:103. [PMID: 28611608 PMCID: PMC5447719 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on individual adaptive strategies (coping), animals may react differently to environmental challenges in terms of behavior and physiology according to their emotional perception. Emotional valence as well as arousal may be derived by measuring vagal and sympathetic tone of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). We investigated the situation-dependent autonomic response of 16 domestic pigs with either a reactive or a proactive coping style, previously selected according to the backtest which is accepted in piglets to assess escape behavior. At 11 weeks of age, the pigs were equipped with an implantable telemetric device, and heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and their respective variabilities (HRV, BPV) were recorded for 1 h daily over a time period of 10 days and analyzed in four behavioral contexts (resting, feeding, idling, handling). Additionally, the first minute of feeding and handling was used for a short-term analysis of these parameters in 10-s intervals. Data from day 1-3 (period 1) and day 8-10 (period 2) were grouped into two separate periods. Our results revealed general differences between the coping styles during feeding, resting and handling, with proactive pigs showing higher HR compared to reactive pigs. This elevated HR was based on either lower vagal (resting) or elevated sympathetic activation (feeding, handling). The short-term analysis of the autonomic activation during feeding revealed a physiological anticipation reaction in proactive pigs in period 1, whereas reactive pigs showed this reaction only in period 2. Food intake was characterized by sympathetic arousal with concurrent vagal withdrawal, which was more pronounced in proactive pigs. In contrast, neither coping style resulted in an anticipation reaction to handling. Vagal activation increased in reactive pigs during handling, while proactive pigs showed an increase in sympathetically driven arousal in period 2. Our findings confirm significant context-related differences in the general autonomic reaction of pigs with different coping styles. Additionally, the two coping styles differ in their affective appraisal over the time course of the experiment, underlining the importance of taking individual differences into account when studying affect and emotion in humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Krause
- Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN)Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Birger Puppe
- Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN)Dummerstorf, Germany
- Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of RostockRostock, Germany
| | - Jan Langbein
- Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN)Dummerstorf, Germany
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Maniaci G, Goudriaan AE, Cannizzaro C, van Holst RJ. Impulsivity and Stress Response in Pathological Gamblers During the Trier Social Stress Test. J Gambl Stud 2017; 34:147-160. [PMID: 28316029 PMCID: PMC5846820 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-017-9685-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Gambling has been associated with increased sympathetic nervous system output and stimulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. However it is unclear how these systems are affected in pathological gambling. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) on cortisol and on cardiac interbeat intervals in relation to impulsivity, in a sample of male pathological gamblers compared to healthy controls. In addition, we investigated the correlation between the TSST, duration of the disorder and impulsivity. A total of 35 pathological gamblers and 30 healthy controls, ranging from 19 to 58 years old and all male, participated in this study. Stress response was measured during and after the TSST by salivary cortisol and cardiac interbeat intervals; impulsivity was assessed with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). Exposure to the TSST produced a significant increase in salivary cortisol and interbeat intervals in both groups, without differences between groups. We found a negative correlation between baseline cortisol and duration of pathological gambling indicating that the longer the duration of the disorder the lower the baseline cortisol levels. Additionally, we found a main effect of impulsivity across groups on interbeat interval during the TSST, indicating an association between impulsivity and the intensity of the neurovegetative stress response during the TSST. Involvement of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis in pathological gambling was confirmed together with evidence of a correlation between length of the disorder and diminished baseline cortisol levels. Impulsivity emerged as a personality trait expressed by pathological gamblers; however the neurovegetative response to the TSST, although associated with impulsivity, appeared to be independent of the presence of pathological gambling.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Maniaci
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Academic Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Institute for Addiction Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A E Goudriaan
- Academic Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Institute for Addiction Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Arkin Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C Cannizzaro
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care "Giuseppe D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - R J van Holst
- Academic Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Institute for Addiction Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
A wealth of past research has examined the relationship between low physiological arousal and violence or antisocial behavior. Relatively little research; however, has examined the relationship between low physiological arousal and psychopathic traits, with even less having been conducted with juveniles. The current study attempts to fill this gap by evaluating juveniles' physiological arousal using resting heart rate and their levels of psychopathic traits. Results suggest that there is indeed an inverse relationship between resting heart rate and the affective traits of psychopathy (Uncaring, Callousness, and Unemotionality) as well as Thrill or Sensation Seeking in males. No significant relationship was found in females. Implications of the findings as well as study limitations and future directions are discussed.
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Fung BJ, Crone DL, Bode S, Murawski C. Cardiac Signals Are Independently Associated with Temporal Discounting and Time Perception. Front Behav Neurosci 2017; 11:1. [PMID: 28174525 PMCID: PMC5258759 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac signals reflect the function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and have previously been associated with a range of self-regulatory behaviors such as emotion regulation and memory recall. It is unknown whether cardiac signals may also be associated with self-regulation in the temporal domain, in particular impulsivity. We assessed both decision impulsivity (temporal discounting, TD) and time perception impulsivity (duration reproduction, DR) in 120 participants while they underwent electrocardiography in order to test whether cardiac signals were related to these two aspects of impulsivity. We found that over the entire period of task performance, individuals with higher heart rates had a tendency toward lower discount rates, supporting previous research that has associated sympathetic responses with decreased impulsivity. We also found that low-frequency components of heart rate variability (HRV) were associated with a less accurate perception of time, suggesting that time perception may be modulated by ANS function. Overall, these findings constitute preliminary evidence that autonomic function plays an important role in both decision impulsivity and time perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen J Fung
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of MelbourneMelbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Finance, The University of MelbourneMelbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Damien L Crone
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of MelbourneMelbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Finance, The University of MelbourneMelbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stefan Bode
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Carsten Murawski
- Department of Finance, The University of Melbourne Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Stability Subtypes of Callous-Unemotional Traits and Conduct Disorder Symptoms and Their Correlates. J Youth Adolesc 2016; 45:1889-901. [PMID: 27299762 PMCID: PMC4982881 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-016-0520-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Callous–unemotional traits and conduct disorder symptoms tend to co-occur across development, with existing evidence pointing to individual differences in the co-development of these problems. The current study identified groups of at risk adolescents showing stable (i.e., high on both conduct disorder and callous–unemotional symptoms, high only on either callous–unemotional or conduct disorder symptoms) or increasing conduct disorder and callous–unemotional symptoms. Data were collected from a sample of 2038 community adolescents between 15 and 18 years (1070 females, Mage = 16) of age. A longitudinal design was followed in that adolescent reports were collected at two time points, 1 year apart. Increases in conduct disorder symptoms and callous–unemotional traits were accompanied by increases in anxiety, depressive symptoms, narcissism, proactive and reactive aggression and decreases in self-esteem. Furthermore, adolescents with high and stable conduct disorder symptoms and callous–unemotional traits were consistently at high risk for individual, behavioral and contextual problems. In contrast, youth high on callous–unemotional traits without conduct disorder symptoms remained at low-risk for anxiety, depressive symptoms, narcissism, and aggression, pointing to a potential protective function of pure callous–unemotional traits against the development of psychopathological problems.
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Blunted cardiac stress reactors exhibit relatively high levels of behavioural impulsivity. Physiol Behav 2016; 159:40-4. [PMID: 26988282 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Blunted physiological reactions to acute psychological stress are associated with a range of adverse health and behavioural outcomes. This study examined whether extreme stress reactors differ in their behavioural impulsivity. Individuals showing blunted (N=23) and exaggerated (N=23) cardiovascular reactions to stress were selected by screening a healthy student population (N=276). Behavioural impulsivity was measured via inhibitory control and motor impulsivity tasks. Blunted reactors exhibited greater impulsivity than exaggerated reactors on both stop-signal, F(1,41)=4.99, p=0.03, ηp(2)=0.108, and circle drawing, F(1,43)=4.00, p=0.05, η p(2)=0.085, tasks. Individuals showing blunted cardiovascular stress reactions are characterized by greater impulsivity which may contribute to their increased susceptibility to outcomes such as obesity and addiction.
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23
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Startle modulation during violent films: Association with callous–unemotional traits and aggressive behavior. MOTIVATION AND EMOTION 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11031-015-9517-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Barratt Impulsivity and Neural Regulation of Physiological Arousal. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129139. [PMID: 26079873 PMCID: PMC4469608 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Theories of personality have posited an increased arousal response to external stimulation in impulsive individuals. However, there is a dearth of studies addressing the neural basis of this association. Methods We recorded skin conductance in 26 individuals who were assessed with Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11) and performed a stop signal task during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Imaging data were processed and modeled with Statistical Parametric Mapping. We used linear regressions to examine correlations between impulsivity and skin conductance response (SCR) to salient events, identify the neural substrates of arousal regulation, and examine the relationship between the regulatory mechanism and impulsivity. Results Across subjects, higher impulsivity is associated with greater SCR to stop trials. Activity of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) negatively correlated to and Granger caused skin conductance time course. Furthermore, higher impulsivity is associated with a lesser strength of Granger causality of vmPFC activity on skin conductance, consistent with diminished control of physiological arousal to external stimulation. When men (n = 14) and women (n = 12) were examined separately, however, there was evidence suggesting association between impulsivity and vmPFC regulation of arousal only in women. Conclusions Together, these findings confirmed the link between Barratt impulsivity and heightened arousal to salient stimuli in both genders and suggested the neural bases of altered regulation of arousal in impulsive women. More research is needed to explore the neural processes of arousal regulation in impulsive individuals and in clinical conditions that implicate poor impulse control.
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25
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Hebert K. The association between impulsivity and sensory processing patterns in healthy adults. Br J Occup Ther 2015. [DOI: 10.1177/0308022615575670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Growing evidence suggests that an individual's style of processing sensory information plays a role in affective disorders. However, most of this work focuses on the relationship between sensory hypersensitivity and factors related to internalizing disorders. This study explores the association between sensory processing styles and impulsivity, a fundamental feature of externalizing disorders, in healthy adults. Method Two hundred and twenty-six healthy individuals aged 18–60 years completed the adolescent/adult sensory profile, Barratt impulsiveness scale, and a computerized response inhibition task (go/no-go task). Findings Low registration sensory processing scores were positively correlated with Barratt impulsivity scores. In addition, individuals high in low registration were more likely to meet criteria for high impulsivity. Individuals higher in sensory sensitivity made more impulsive errors on the response inhibition task. Conclusion The findings suggest that individuals with low registration are more impulsive. When helping clients manage impulsivity, occupational therapists should consider their sensory processing patterns and utilize interventions that address sensory needs. Future studies should examine these associations in clinical populations characterized by high rates of impulsive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Hebert
- Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Missouri–Columbia, USA
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26
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Rayment DJ, De Groef B, Peters RA, Marston LC. Applied personality assessment in domestic dogs: Limitations and caveats. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2014.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Bennett C, Blissett J, Carroll D, Ginty AT. Rated and measured impulsivity in children is associated with diminished cardiac reactions to acute psychological stress. Biol Psychol 2014; 102:68-72. [PMID: 25038303 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2014.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Revised: 07/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the association between impulsivity and heart rate reactions to a brief psychological stress in pre-adolescent children. Impulsivity was assessed by two response inhibition tasks and maternal self-report. Heart rate was measured at rest and in response to a mental arithmetic challenge. Children high in impulsivity showed blunted cardiac stress reactions. This result resonates with previous findings that blunted stress reactivity is characteristic of a range of problematic behaviours often associated with impulsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmel Bennett
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jackie Blissett
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Douglas Carroll
- School of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Annie T Ginty
- School of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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28
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Agrawal A, Madden PA, Bucholz KK, Heath AC, Lynskey MT. Initial reactions to tobacco and cannabis smoking: a twin study. Addiction 2014; 109:663-71. [PMID: 24325652 PMCID: PMC3951663 DOI: 10.1111/add.12449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Revised: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Initial subjective reactions to cannabis and tobacco, broadly classified as positive or negative, have previously been explored for their associations with onset and maintenance of subsequent abuse/dependence. We examine (i) the factorial architecture of self-reported initial reactions to cannabis and tobacco; (ii) whether these factors associate with concurrently reported age at onset of DSM-IV diagnosis of nicotine dependence and cannabis abuse/dependence; and (iii) estimate heritable variation in and covariation between the factors. DESIGN Factorial and exploratory structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the factor structure of initial reactions. Cox proportional hazards modeling was employed to examine their association with time to onset of diagnosis of DSM-IV nicotine dependence and cannabis abuse/dependence. Classical twin modeling, using univariate and multivariate models, was used to parse variance in each factor (and the covariance between factors) to their additive genetic, shared environmental and non-shared environmental sources. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS General population sample of Caucasian female twins aged 18-32 years, with a life-time history of tobacco [n = 2393] and cannabis [n = 1445] use. MEASUREMENT Self-report of initial subjective reactions to tobacco (cigarettes) and cannabis the first time they were used and time to onset of life-time history of DSM-IV diagnosis of abuse (cannabis) and dependence (cannabis or nicotine). FINDINGS Factors representing putatively positive and negative reactions to cannabis and tobacco emerged. Initial reactions to tobacco were associated with onset of DSM-IV diagnosis of nicotine dependence and cannabis abuse/dependence while initial reactions to cannabis were associated with onset of DSM-IV diagnosis of cannabis abuse/dependence alone. Genetic factors played a moderate role in each factor (heritability of 27-35%, P < 0.05), with the remaining variance attributed to individual-specific environment. Covariation across the factors indexing positive and negative initial reactions was attributable to genetic sources (0.18-0.58, P < 0.05) and to overlapping individual-specific environmental factors (-0.16 to 0.36, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Initial subjective reactions to tobacco are associated with onset of DSM-IV diagnosis of nicotine dependence and cannabis abuse/dependence while initial subjective reactions to cannabis are only associated with onset of diagnosis of DSM-IV cannabis abuse/dependence. Genetic and environmental factors underpin the overlap across the factors representing initial reactions, both positive and negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpana Agrawal
- Washington University School of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry, 660 S. Euclid, CB 8134, Saint Louis, MO 63110
| | - Pamela A.F. Madden
- Washington University School of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry, 660 S. Euclid, CB 8134, Saint Louis, MO 63110
| | - Kathleen K. Bucholz
- Washington University School of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry, 660 S. Euclid, CB 8134, Saint Louis, MO 63110
| | - Andrew C. Heath
- Washington University School of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry, 660 S. Euclid, CB 8134, Saint Louis, MO 63110
| | - Michael T. Lynskey
- Washington University School of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry, 660 S. Euclid, CB 8134, Saint Louis, MO 63110,Addictions Department, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, UK
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Schmidt B, Mussel P, Hewig J. I'm too calm-Let's take a risk! On the impact of state and trait arousal on risk taking. Psychophysiology 2013; 50:498-503. [DOI: 10.1111/psyp.12032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 12/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schmidt
- Institute of Psychology; University of Würzburg; Würzburg; Germany
| | - Patrick Mussel
- Institute of Psychology; University of Würzburg; Würzburg; Germany
| | - Johannes Hewig
- Institute of Psychology; University of Würzburg; Würzburg; Germany
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Leroy M, Loas G, Perez-Diaz F. Is impulsivity a risk factor of clinical events in acute coronary syndrome? A three-year follow-up study. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2013; 40:149-52. [PMID: 23063652 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2012.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2012] [Revised: 10/03/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several depressive symptoms increase the risk of adverse clinical events after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) but the potential effect of impulsivity has not been explored. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of impulsivity on prognosis at 3-year follow-up in patients hospitalised for ACS. METHODS Consecutively admitted ACS patients (n=277) completed the tenth version of the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS 10) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale depression subscale (HAD-D) at baseline (1-4 days after their admission). The three subscales of the BIS 10 rating motor impulsivity (motor-BIS 10), attentional impulsivity (atten-BIS 10) and nonplanning impulsivity (nonplan-BIS 10) were taken into account. Patients were followed during 3 years for adverse clinical events divided into severe cardiac events (mortality or myocardial infarction (MI)), and clinical events (mortality, MI, recurrence of ACS, hospital readmission and onset or deterioration of heart failure (HF)). RESULTS At follow-up, there were 135 clinical events including 40 severe cardiac events. Low motor impulsivity and high depression were associated with poor prognosis, but high levels of motor impulsivity were the only predictors of lower frequency of severe cardiac events after adjusting for demographic and clinical variables. LIMITATIONS The patients were recruited from only one hospital and lack of structured interview for assessment of depression. CONCLUSIONS Motor impulsivity predicted low incidence of severe cardiac events following ACS and the BIS can be used clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Leroy
- The University Department of Psychiatry, CHU d'Amiens, University of Picardie, Amiens, France
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Marissen MAE, Arnold N, Franken IHA. Anhedonia in borderline personality disorder and its relation to symptoms of impulsivity. Psychopathology 2012; 45:179-84. [PMID: 22441143 DOI: 10.1159/000330893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2010] [Accepted: 07/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) report strong negative affect and show impulsive, disruptive behaviors. The role of anhedonia, or the inability to experience positive affect, has been less examined in BPD. The present study examined the role of anhedonia in BPD patients and its relation to symptoms of impulsivity. SAMPLING AND METHODS Anhedonia, affect, impulsivity and BPD symptoms were measured in BPD patients and healthy control participants. RESULTS It was found that BPD patients showed abnormally high anhedonia levels. In addition, anhedonia was found to be positively related to dysfunctional impulsivity in the BPD patient group, while in the control group, anhedonia was related to withdrawal behaviors. A strong relation was found between anhedonia and BPD symptoms, emphasizing the relevance of anhedonia as an important symptom of BPD. Finally, anhedonia was found to be an important contributor to the severity of borderline symptoms, independently of other factors such as affect and impulsivity. CONCLUSIONS The results underline that anhedonia might be an important but currently overlooked feature of BPD. The results further suggest that anhedonia is associated with the impulsive behaviors that are typically observed in borderline patients.
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Novelty-evoked activity in open field predicts susceptibility to helpless behavior. Physiol Behav 2010; 101:746-54. [PMID: 20804778 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2010.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2010] [Revised: 08/16/2010] [Accepted: 08/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Learned helplessness in animals has been used to model disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but there is a lack of knowledge concerning which individual behavioral characteristics at baseline can predict helpless behavior after exposure to inescapable stress. The first aim of this study was to determine behavioral predictors of helplessness using the novel and familiar open-field tests, sucrose consumption, and passive harm-avoidance tasks before learned helplessness training and testing. Individual differences in physiologic responses to restraint stress were also assessed. A cluster analysis of escape latencies from helplessness testing supported the division of the sample population of Holtzman rats into approximately 50% helpless and 50% non-helpless. Linear regression analyses further revealed that increased reactivity to the novel environment, but not general activity or habituation, predicted susceptibility to learned helplessness. During restraint stress there were no mean differences in heart rate, heart rate variability, and plasma corticosterone between helpless and non-helpless rats; however, a lower heart rate during stress was associated with higher activity levels during exploration. Our most important finding was that by using an innocuous screening tool such as the novel and familiar open-field tests, it was possible to identify subjects that were susceptible to learned helplessness.
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Mediation of sensation seeking and behavioral inhibition on the relationship between heart rate and antisocial behavior: the TRAILS study. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2010; 49:493-502. [PMID: 20431469 DOI: 10.1097/00004583-201005000-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Why is low resting heart rate (HR) associated with antisocial behavior (ASB), i.e., aggression and rule breaking, in adolescence? Theory suggests that personality traits mediate this relationship but differently with age. In the present study this age-effect hypothesis is tested; we expected that the relationship between HR and aggression would be mediated in preadolescence by the personality trait behavioral inhibition, but not by sensation seeking. However, the relationship between HR and rule breaking in adolescence was predicted to be mediated by sensation seeking, but not by behavioral inhibition. Hypotheses were tested separately for boys and girls. METHOD HR in supine position was assessed in repondents to the TRacking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS) (N = 1,752; 48.5% boys) at age 11 years. Rule breaking and aggression at age 16 were assessed with two subscales from the Youth Self Report (YSR) questionnaire. Personality (i.e., sensation seeking and behavioral inhibition) was measured at ages 11, 13.5, and 16 with the Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire-Revised (EATQ-R), Behavioral Inhibition System/ Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) scales, or NEO Personality-Index Revised (NEO-PI-R). RESULTS In boys, lower HR was associated with aggression and rule breaking in adolescence. The association between HR and rule breaking was mediated by sensation seeking in adolescence but not in preadolescence. Girls' HR was not associated with ASB, and no mediating effects were found. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the age-effect hypothesis in boys' rule breaking behavior. This shows that the association between HR and ASB depends on age, gender, and subtype of ASB.
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Mediation of Sensation Seeking and Behavioral Inhibition on the Relationship Between Heart Rate and Antisocial Behavior: The TRAILS Study. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2010.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Allen MT, Hogan AM, Laird LK. The relationships of impulsivity and cardiovascular responses: The role of gender and task type. Int J Psychophysiol 2009; 73:369-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2009.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2009] [Revised: 05/19/2009] [Accepted: 05/26/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Abstract
In this article, we attempt to integrate Dickman's (1990) descriptive concept of Functional Impulsivity (FI) with Gray's (1970, 1991) Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST). Specifically, we consider that FI bears great conceptual similarity to Gray's concept of reward-reactivity, which is thought to be caused by the combined effects of a Behavioral Activation System (BAS) and Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS). In our first study, we examine the construct validity and structural correlates of FI. Results indicate that FI is related positively to measures of BAS and Extraversion, negatively to measures of BIS and Neuroticism, and is separate from Psychoticism and typical trait Impulsivity, which Dickman calls Dysfunctional Impulsivity (DI). In our second study, we use a go/no-go discrimination task to examine the relationship between FI and response bias under conditions of rewarding and punishing feedback. Results indicate that FI, along with two measures of BAS, predicted the development of a response bias for the rewarded alternative. In comparison, high DI appeared to reflect indifference toward either reward or punishment. We consider how these findings might reconcile the perspectives of Gray and Dickman and help clarify the broader understanding of Impulsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke D Smillie
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Australia.
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Puttonen S, Elovainio M, Kivimäki M, Koskinen T, Pulkki-Råback L, Viikari JS, Raitakari OT, Keltikangas-Järvinen L. Temperament, health-related behaviors, and autonomic cardiac regulation: The cardiovascular risk in young Finns study. Biol Psychol 2008; 78:204-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2008.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2007] [Revised: 02/25/2008] [Accepted: 03/01/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Palomo T, Kostrzewa RM, Beninger RJ, Archer T. Treatment consideration and manifest complexity in comorbid neuropsychiatric disorders. Neurotox Res 2007; 12:43-60. [PMID: 17513199 DOI: 10.1007/bf03033900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders may co-occur in the same individual. These include, for example, substance abuse or obsessive-compulsive disorder with schizophrenia, and movement disorders or epilepsy with affective dysfunctional states. Medications may produce iatrogenic effects, for example cognitive impairments that co-occur with the residual symptoms of the primary disorder being treated. The observation of comorbid disorders in some cases may reflect diagnostic overlap. Impulsivity, impulsiveness or impulsive behaviour is implicated in a range of diagnostic conditions including substance abuse, affective disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. These observations suggest a need to re-evaluate established diagnostic criteria and disorder definitions, focusing instead on symptoms and symptom-profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Palomo
- Psychiatry Service, 12 de Octubre, University Hospital, Madrid 28041, Spain
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Smillie LD, Dalgleish LI, Jackson CJ. Distinguishing Between Learning and Motivation in Behavioral Tests of the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2007; 33:476-89. [PMID: 17363762 DOI: 10.1177/0146167206296951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
According to Gray's (1973) Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST), a Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) and a Behavioral Activation System (BAS) mediate effects of goal conflict and reward on behavior. BIS functioning has been linked with individual differences in trait anxiety and BAS functioning with individual differences in trait impulsivity. In this article, it is argued that behavioral outputs of the BIS and BAS can be distinguished in terms of learning and motivation processes and that these can be operationalized using the Signal Detection Theory measures of response-sensitivity and response-bias. In Experiment 1, two measures of BIS-reactivity predicted increased response-sensitivity under goal conflict, whereas one measure of BAS-reactivity predicted increased response-sensitivity under reward. In Experiment 2, two measures of BIS-reactivity predicted response-bias under goal conflict, whereas a measure of BAS-reactivity predicted motivation response-bias under reward. In both experiments, impulsivity measures did not predict criteria for BAS-reactivity as traditionally predicted by RST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke D Smillie
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London.
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Brown SM, Manuck SB, Flory JD, Hariri AR. Neural basis of individual differences in impulsivity: contributions of corticolimbic circuits for behavioral arousal and control. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 6:239-45. [PMID: 16768556 DOI: 10.1037/1528-3542.6.2.239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the current study was to analyze the neural correlates of behavioral arousal and inhibitory control as they relate to individual differences in impulsivity via well-established functional MRI amygdala reactivity and prefrontal inhibitory control paradigms in healthy adult subjects. Impulsivity correlated positively with activity of the bilateral ventral amygdala, parahippocampal gyrus, dorsal anterior cingulate gyrus (BA 32), and bilateral caudate. Conversely, impulsivity correlated negatively with activity of the dorsal amygdala and ventral prefrontal cortex (BA 47). Together, these findings suggest that dispositional impulsivity is influenced by the functional interplay of corticolimbic behavioral arousal and control circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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41
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Fairclough SH, Venables L. Prediction of subjective states from psychophysiology: A multivariate approach. Biol Psychol 2006; 71:100-10. [PMID: 15978715 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2005.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2004] [Accepted: 03/04/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Biocybernetic systems utilise real-time changes in psychophysiology in order to adapt aspects of computer control and functionality, e.g. adaptive automation. This approach to system design is based upon an assumption that psychophysiological variations represent implicit fluctuations in the subjective state of the operator, e.g. mood, motivation, cognitions. A study was performed to investigate the convergent validity between psychophysiological measurement and changes in the subjective status of the individual. Thirty-five participants performed a demanding version of the Multi-Attribute Task Battery (MATB) over four consecutive 20-min blocks. A range of psychophysiological data were collected (EEG, ECG, skin conductance level (SCL), EOG, respiratory rate) and correlated with changes in subjective state as measured by the Dundee Stress State Questionnaire (DSSQ). MATB performance was stable across time-on-task; psychophysiological activity exhibited expected changes due to sustained performance. The DSSQ was analysed in terms of three subjective meta-factors: Task Engagement, Distress and Worry. Multiple regression analyses revealed that psychophysiology predicted a substantial proportion of the variance for both Task Engagement and Distress but not for the Worry meta-factor. The consequences for the development of biocybernetic systems are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen H Fairclough
- School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, 15-21 Webster Street, Liverpool L3 2ET, UK.
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Houston RJ, Stanford MS. Electrophysiological substrates of impulsiveness: potential effects on aggressive behavior. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2005; 29:305-13. [PMID: 15694239 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2004.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Previous investigations attempting to examine impulsiveness as a personality construct are likely confounded with a high incidence of aggressive and antisocial behavior. The present study assessed electroencephalographic activity at rest and during photic stimulation in two groups: (1) an impulsive group (n=10) scoring high on the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and reporting no indication of impulsive aggressive behavior; and (2) a non-aggressive control group (n=14) scoring within the normal range on the BIS-11. All subjects completed a brief battery of personality measures related to impulsivity and aggression. Resting EEG was recorded at 9 electrode sites. Photic stimulation was administered at three frequency levels. The primary findings were consistently lower frontal delta and theta activity in the impulsive group as well as a different topographical pattern of beta activity between the groups. These differences appeared to be independent of photic stimulation. Personality analyses indicated significantly greater hostility and lifetime history of aggression in the impulsive group. Taken together, the personality and EEG results suggest some similarity between the present impulsive group and research on groups regularly exhibiting premeditated aggression. These results provide unique insight into the construct of impulsivity and its role in the expression of specific subtypes of aggressive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Houston
- Research Institute on Addictions, State University of New York at Buffalo, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
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Fairclough SH, Venables L, Tattersall A. The influence of task demand and learning on the psychophysiological response. Int J Psychophysiol 2005; 56:171-84. [PMID: 15804451 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2004.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2004] [Revised: 11/16/2004] [Accepted: 11/30/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The level of expertise of an operator may significantly influence his/her psychophysiological response to high task demand. A naive individual may invest considerable mental effort during performance of a difficult task and psychophysiological reactivity will be high compared to the psychophysiological response of a highly skilled operator. A study on multitasking performance was conducted to investigate the interaction between learning and task demand on psychophysiological reactivity. Thirty naive participants performed high and low demand versions of the Multi-attribute Task Battery (MATB) over a learning period of 64 min. High and low task demand setting were preset via a pilot study. Psychophysiological variables were collected from four channels of EEG (Cz, P3, P4, Pz), ECG, EOG and respiration rate to measure the impact of task demand and learning. Several variables were sensitive to the task demand manipulation but not time-on-task, e.g., heart rate, Theta activity at parietal sites. The sensitivity of certain variables to high demand was compromised by skill acquisition, e.g., respiration rate, suppression of alpha activity. A sustained learning effect was observed during the high demand condition only; multiple regression analyses revealed that specific psychophysiological variables predicted learning at different stages on the learning curve. The implications for the sensitivity of psychophysiological variables are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen H Fairclough
- School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, 15-21 Webster Street, Liverpool, L3 2ET, UK.
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