Citation

Dinu-Biringer R, Nees F, Falquez R, Berger M, Barnow S. Psychiatry Res. 2016; 248: 12-22.

Affiliation

Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Heidelberg University, Hauptstraße 47-51, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.pscychresns.2016.01.012

PMID

26786151

Abstract

The results of research about the influences of impulsivity on decision-making in situations of risk have been inconsistent. In this study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine the neural correlates of decision-making under risk in 12 impulsive, as defined by the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11, and 13 normal men. Although both groups showed similar decision-making behavior, neural activation regarding decision-making processes differed significantly. Impulsive persons revealed stronger activation in the (ventro-) medial prefrontal cortex and less deactivation of the orbitofrontal cortex while playing for potential gains. These brain regions might be associated with the emotional components of decision-making processes. Significant differences in brain areas linked to cognitive decision-making components were not found. This activation pattern might be seen as an indication for a hypersensitivity to rewarding cues in impulsive persons and might be linked to the propensity for inappropriate risk-taking behavior in persons with more extreme impulsivity levels, especially in situations in which they have a strong emotional involvement in the decision process.

Language: en