Improving impulsivity by studying brain activity

Identifying and Targeting Physiological Assays of Circuit Engagement to Improve Impulsivity

NIH-funded research Veterans Medical Research Fdn/san Diego · NIH-11080286

This study looks at how brain activity connects to impulsivity, which is when people struggle to control their immediate reactions instead of thinking about long-term goals, and it aims to find better treatments for conditions like ADHD and substance abuse that can help those who deal with impulsivity.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVeterans Medical Research Fdn/san Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Diego, United States)
Project IDNIH-11080286 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how brain activity relates to impulsivity, which is the inability to control immediate reactions in favor of long-term goals. It focuses on measuring different types of impulsivity, such as motor impulsivity and choice impulsivity, using behavioral tasks and electrophysiological methods. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify more effective treatments for conditions like ADHD and substance abuse disorders. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to better-targeted therapies for impulsivity-related issues.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with ADHD, substance use disorders, or other conditions characterized by impulsivity.

Not a fit: Patients without impulsivity-related disorders or those not exhibiting significant behavioral inhibition may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for individuals struggling with impulsivity and related disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using electrophysiological measures to understand impulsivity, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

San Diego, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Affective Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.