Behavioral Inhibition Network Predicts Alcohol Use in Men and Stress in Women

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Addiction Research
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Impulsivity is a complex trait associated with addiction, but its inconsistent conceptualization hinders effective treatment.
• Understanding the neural underpinnings of distinct impulsivity domains is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify neural substrates of four impulsivity domains using connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM).
• To explore the relationship between these neural networks, alcohol use, and stress in a sample of young adults.
• To investigate potential sex differences in these relationships.

Main Methods:

• Utilized connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) on fMRI data from the "Brain and Alcohol Research in College Students" dataset (n=287).
• Applied CPM to four impulsivity-related domains: impulsive action, approach/appetitive motivation, impulsivity/compulsivity, and behavioral inhibition/punishment sensitivity (BIPS).
• Examined identified brain networks in relation to alcohol use and stress, considering sex differences.

Main Results:

• A significant CPM model predicted BIPS (r = 0.24, p = .001).
• Higher BIPS was associated with altered connectivity in default mode, motor/sensory, cerebellar, and medial frontal networks.
• BIPS network strength differed by sex, showing negative associations with alcohol use in men and positive associations with stress in women.

Conclusions:

• A neuromarker for BIPS was identified in young adults, highlighting sex-specific associations with alcohol use and stress.
• These findings suggest potential for targeted interventions, considering sex differences, to address impulsive behaviors.
• Future research should investigate neuromodulation or other interventions targeting this network for problem drinking and stress-related concerns.