Impulsivity

Question 1

Key Points

Answer 1

1. Impulsivity is a multi-faceted construct consisting of different behavioral
   phenomena
2. Based on neuroimaging studies in humans and preclinical work in
   laboratory animals we now know that the different forms of impulsivity
   have different underlying neurobiology and neuroanatomy
3. Maladaptive levels of impulsivity are key to several psychiatric and
   neurological disorders, such as for example ADHD and addiction

Question 2

Impulsive action

Answer 2

Poor inhibitory control/behavioural disinhibition
-motor impulsivity; acting without foresight
-Response inhibition: inability to inhibit ongoing behaviour

Measured through barratt impulsiveness scale

Question 3

Impulsive choice

Answer 3

Impulsive decision making
-Delay aversion: distorted judgement of alternative outcomes/ intolerance to delay of gratification

Measured through go-nogo tasks
and delay discounting tasks

Question 4

Neuroimaging

Answer 4

fMRI: study brain activity based on oxygen use
PET: study receptor binding
MEG: study brain activity based on electrical current

Question 5

Serotonin

Answer 5

Serotonin depletions increase impulsive action and not impulsive choice