Neural correlates of impulsive-violent behavior: an event-related potential study

Neuroreport. 2005 Aug 1;16(11):1213-6. doi: 10.1097/00001756-200508010-00016.

Abstract

Impulsive-violent offenders are often less capable of controlling their behavior. A cued Go/No-go task was used to test the hypothesis that impulsive-violent behavior reflects a deficit in the ability to inhibit prepotent responses and could be reflected in the measurement of event-related potentials. Results showed that the amplitudes of the N2 component at Fz reflected different degrees of inhibition in impulsive-violent offenders compared with matched controls. The N2 amplitude (No-go minus Go) was significantly lower in the impulsive-violent offenders than in matched controls. The amplitude of N2 increased when effort was required to withhold the Go intention. A smaller N2 amplitude was seen in offenders, suggesting difficulties with inhibition of prepotent behavior.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Brain Mapping*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Choice Behavior
  • Evoked Potentials / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior / physiopathology*
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Violence*