Brain gray matter structures associated with trait impulsivity: A systematic review and voxel-based meta-analysis.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Radiology

Background:

• Trait impulsivity is a complex personality trait associated with negative life consequences.
• Previous neuroimaging studies on impulsivity's structural brain correlates show inconsistent results.
• Understanding the neural basis of trait impulsivity is crucial for clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze gray matter (GM) morphometry studies related to trait impulsivity.
• To identify consistent structural brain alterations associated with trait impulsivity.
• To explore the influence of age and gender on these associations.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a systematic literature review of neuroimaging studies on trait impulsivity.
• Performed a quantitative meta-analysis of voxel-based morphometry (VBM) data.
• Investigated potential moderating effects of age and gender.

Main Results:

• Identified consistent GM volume alterations in prefrontal, temporal, and parietal cortices associated with trait impulsivity.
• Systematic review highlighted heterogeneity in previous findings.
• Age and gender were found to modulate the relationship between GM volume and impulsivity.

Conclusions:

• This study provides an integrated view of GM morphometric features underlying trait impulsivity.
• The findings advance the understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of impulsivity.
• Results have potential implications for the clinical diagnosis and intervention of impulsivity-related disorders.