Impulsivity trait and proactive cognitive control: An fMRI study

• DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14301
• Publication Date: 2018-12-14T13:40:06Z
• Authors: Gioele Gavazzi; Arianna Rossi; Stefano Orsolini; Stefano Diciotti; Fabio Giovannelli; Emilia Salvadori; Leonardo Pantoni; Mario Mascalchi; Maria Pia Viggiano
• Keywords: Disinhibition; Alertness; Barratt Impulsiveness Scale; Stimulus (psychology); Continuous performance task; Trait

Abstract The ability to flexibly regulate our behavior is a fundamental feature of human cognition and requires efficient functioning cognitive control. During movement preparation, proactive inhibitory control plays crucial role in regulating the excitatory activity carried out by alertness. balance between alertness inhibition could be altered people with motor impulsivity trait, determining typical failure prepotent responses. To test this hypothesis, 36 young adults were administered Barratt Impulsiveness Scale assess trait underwent fMRI acquisition during execution an event‐related Go/Nogo task. investigate preparation processes, we analyzed “readiness” period, which subjects waiting preparing for upcoming stimulus (Go or Nogo). We found positive significant correlation scores activation left sensorimotor cortices. This result indicates that might associated disinhibition system, characterized diminished reactivity threshold reduced over covert urges. Furthermore, observed inferior superior parietal lobule, related more pronounced control, probably reflecting compensatory mechanism implemented participants higher degree reach correct inhibition. Current findings provide rationale further studies aiming better understand healthy impulsive under clinical conditions.