Decision-making and impulsivity

Question 1

Define the concept “cognitive control”.

Answer 1

Executive function:
- how outside info (sensory input), internal states (emotions and mood), experience (learning and memory), personality traits, are integrated to shape our behavior (motor outputs).
- allows us to perform goal-oriented behaviors that will serve long-term survival

Question 2

Define the concept “decision-making”.

Answer 2

simplest form:
- yes/no of perception of sensory input
more complex:
- from yes/no to 2 or more different alternatives (choices)
- based on repeated sampling of the available evidence (monitor for changes)
- include evaluation of value and preferences

Question 3

Provide examples of parameters that shape decision-making.

Answer 3

• available info (and attention to it)
• perceived raltive values (reward)
• past experiences
• emotions/states
• personality traits (e.g., impulsivity)

Question 4

Describe major types of impulsivity.

Answer 4

Decisional
- delay discounting
- probabilistic discounting
- reflection impulsivity

Motor
- premature responding
- stopping inhibition

Question 5

What tests can be used to asses cognitive control?

Answer 5

• stroop test: interference from irrelevant info (wrong word to color)
• Tower of London/Hanoi: planning
• Wisconsin card sorting: set-shifting, adapting response to changing rules

Question 6

What tests can be used to asses impulsivity?

Answer 6

• delay discounting: reinforced by food treats (rodent), money (human) or marshmellows (young humans) - the longer you wait, the better the treat
• gambling tasks: probalistic discounting
• bead jar test: reflection impulsivity
• 5-choise seriel reaction time task: continous performance test
• go/no-go task: inhibiting an initiated action

Question 7

What brain regions/systems are involved in decision making?

Answer 7

The prefrontal cortex, the dopamine system, VTA

Question 8

What brain regions/NT systems are involved in stopping impulsivity?

Answer 8

Brain regions:
- dStriatum
- dl/O-FC

NT systems:
-dopamine

Question 9

What brain regions/NT systems are involved in impulsivity (delay and probability discounting)?

Answer 9

Brain regions:
- NAc
- PFC

NT systems:
-dopamine
- serotonin

Question 10

What brain regions/NT systems are involved in impulsivity (premature responses and stopping inhibition)?

Answer 10

Brain regions:
- NAc
- ilFC

NT systems:
-NE

Question 11

Define the concept “impulsivity”.

Answer 11

• dimensional construct of personality
• a tendency to do things without planning or foresight
• “failure” to resist an impulse, temptation, or drive to perform an act that is harmful to the person or others

Question 12

What are some impulse control disorders?

Answer 12

• ADHD
• antisocial personality disorder
• borderline personality disorder