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Updated: May 10, 2026
09:12
Three Laboratory Procedures for Assessing Different Manifestations of Impulsivity in Rats
Published on: March 17, 2019
Inattention, impulsive action, and subjective response to D-amphetamine
Jessica Weafer1, Harriet de Wit
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, United States.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
|June 25, 2013
Summary
Impulsive action, not inattention, predicts greater subjective response to amphetamine. This heightened sensitivity may increase stimulant abuse risk in impulsive individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Impulsivity and sensitivity to drug rewards are known risk factors for drug abuse.
- Limited human data exists on how specific impulsivity components relate to acute drug effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if inattention and impulsive action predict subjective responses to amphetamine in healthy adults.
Main Methods:
- 165 healthy adults completed behavioral tasks assessing inattention (attention lapses) and impulsive action (stop RT).
- Participants rated subjective responses to various amphetamine doses (0-20 mg) using the Drug Effects Questionnaire (DEQ) and Profile of Mood States (POMS).
Main Results:
- Inattention was negatively associated with subjective amphetamine response (DEQ).
- Impulsive action (stop RT) was positively associated with subjective responses on both DEQ and POMS.
- These associations strengthened with higher amphetamine doses, indicating a dose-response effect.
Conclusions:
- Inattention is linked to reduced subjective amphetamine effects.
- Heightened sensitivity to stimulant reward in individuals with high impulsive action may contribute to increased stimulant abuse risk.
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