While certain bio-behavioral relationships have been extensively studied in impulsive aggression (e.g. brain serotonin), structural MRI studies have not yet been performed among individuals with recurrent, problematic impulsive aggression.
The aim of this study is to collect data concerning specific brain regions that may be involved in impulsive aggression. Neuroimaging data will be collected from subjects who meet diagnostic criteria for Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) and from non-psychiatric control subjects. High-resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging methods will be used to determine whether specific regions of interest are reduced or altered in the brains of impulsive aggressive subjects. Specifically, volumetric measures will be derived for orbital and dorsolateral prefrontal areas and for the amygdala. Whole brain and hemispheric volumes will also be evaluated. Neuroimaging data will be evaluated in the context of other laboratory and personality variables. Select laboratory tasks will be used to evaluate IED subjects for evidence of cognitive impairment involving prefrontal and amygdalar function. In addition, individual differences in impulsivity and aggression will also be quantified using various validated psychometric instruments. This information will be used to identify anatomic and cognitive correlates of the severity of impulsivity and aggression, respectively. The presence or absence of structural brain abnormalities is relevant to an understanding of the etiology of impulsive aggression. Data obtained in this study will yield findings regarding brain structures potentially involved in impulsive aggression and provide insights concerning etiological factors in Intermittent Explosive Disorder.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
5R03MH066351-02
Application #
6640214
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-BBBP-5 (01))
Project Start
2001-12-01
Project End
2005-11-30
Budget Start
2002-12-01
Budget End
2005-11-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$73,500
Indirect Cost
Name
Northwestern University at Chicago
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
160079455
City
Evanston
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60201