Association between P3 event-related brain potential amplitude and adolescent problem behavior
1Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA. wiacono@tfs.psych.umn.edu
Psychophysiology
|September 13, 2006
Summary
Reduced P3 event-related brain potential amplitude in adolescents may predict early problem behaviors. This finding links brain activity to the development of externalizing psychopathology and disinhibited behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Psychopathology
Background:
- Externalizing psychopathology is linked to disinhibited behavior.
- Adolescent problem behaviors can predict the development of these disorders.
- P3 event-related brain potential (P3 ERP) amplitude is a neurophysiological marker.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between P3 amplitude and the age of onset of adolescent problem behaviors.
- To investigate the association between P3 amplitude and the development of externalizing psychopathology.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a visual oddball task to record P3 amplitude in 17-year-old twins.
- Collected self-report data on the initiation of substance use, police contact, and sexual intercourse.
- Created a composite scale for early problem behaviors (onset before age 15).
Main Results:
- Each problem behavior examined was associated with reduced P3 amplitude.
- Higher scores on the early problem behavior scale were linked to smaller P3 amplitudes.
- P3 amplitude reduction is also associated with genetic risk for alcoholism and externalizing disorders.
Conclusions:
- Reduced P3 amplitude may be an early indicator of behaviors predicting externalizing disorders.
- This neurophysiological marker could aid in identifying adolescents at risk.
- Findings suggest a neurobiological basis for early-onset problem behaviors.
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