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Low cholesterol levels in children predict impulsivity in young adulthood
Katrin Tomson-Johanson1,2, Tanel Kaart3, Raul-Allan Kiivet2
1Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.
Acta Neuropsychiatrica
|December 3, 2019
Summary
Childhood and adolescent serum lipid levels, particularly total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, predict adult impulsivity. Low cholesterol in males and high cholesterol in females were linked to disinhibition and thoughtlessness.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Low cholesterol levels have been linked to severe behavioral issues like impulsivity and suicide.
- Cholesterol is crucial for neural development, suggesting potential long-term behavioral effects of low serum lipid levels.
- Longitudinal studies investigating the link between serum lipid levels and impulsivity are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the prognostic properties of serum lipid levels during childhood and adolescence on measures of impulsivity in early adulthood.
- To analyze the association between serum lipid levels at various ages and adult impulsivity using a birth cohort sample.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Estonian Children Personality Behaviour and Health Study (n=1238).
- Measured serum lipid levels (total and LDL cholesterol) at ages 9, 15, 18, and 25.
- Assessed impulsivity in 25-year-old adults using the Adaptive and Maladaptive Impulsivity Scale.
Main Results:
- Total and LDL cholesterol levels in boys at ages 9, 15, and 18 predicted disinhibition and thoughtlessness at age 25.
- In males, high disinhibition scores were associated with low total and LDL cholesterol.
- In females, high disinhibition scores were less consistently associated with high total and LDL cholesterol.
Conclusions:
- Serum lipid levels may influence the development of Maladaptive Impulsivity from early childhood.
- The impact of cholesterol on impulsivity extends through adolescence into young adulthood.
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