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Impulsivity, neural deficits, and the addictions: the "oops" factor in relapse
Bryon Adinoff1, Laurie M Rilling, Mark J Williams
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, TX 75390-8564, USA. bryon.adinoff@utsouthwestern.edu
Journal of Addictive Diseases
|March 17, 2009
Summary
Impulsivity, a common trait in psychiatric disorders, significantly impacts addiction and relapse. Understanding neurocognitive deficits in automaticity, response inhibition, and decision-making is crucial for addiction treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Impulsive behaviors are a shared characteristic across numerous psychiatric disorders.
- Impulsivity plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of addictive disorders, particularly substance use disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relevance of impulsivity to addictive disorders, focusing on substance use disorders.
- To examine the neurocognitive constructs of automaticity, response inhibition, and decision-making in relation to addiction relapse.
- To discuss the neurobiological underpinnings of impulsivity and their connection to relapse.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on impulsivity and addictive disorders.
- Analysis of neurocognitive deficits (automaticity, response inhibition, decision-making) in addiction relapse.
- Description of associated brain regions and neurobiological disruptions.
Main Results:
- Impulsive behaviors often precede drug use and addiction.
- Deficits in automaticity, response inhibition, and decision-making are linked to relapse in substance use disorders.
- Specific neurobiological disruptions correlate with these neurocognitive deficits.
Conclusions:
- Impulsivity is a significant factor in the etiology and perpetuation of addictive disorders.
- Targeting neurocognitive deficits related to impulsivity may offer new avenues for addiction treatment and relapse prevention.
- Future research should focus on empirical investigations linking specific impulsive behaviors, neurobiological correlates, and relapse.
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