Correlation between Impulsiveness, Cortical Thickness and Slant of The Forehead in Healthy Adults

Abstract

Impulsiveness is a multidimensional psychological construct with high clinical interest because it is a risk factor for several psychiatric disorders. This study was designed to investigate structural correlates of self-reported impulsiveness, measured by using the Short Scale of Impulsive Behaviour, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scale V. As a secondary objective, and based on preliminary findings concerning the positive relationship between impulsiveness and the slant of the forehead degrees (SFD), we explore this relationship and the correlation between SFD and cortical thickness (CT) of the entire cortex. From a sample of 48 participants' structural magnetic resonance images, three self-reports measuring impulsiveness and SFD were obtained. CT of the whole cortex was obtained for each participant through Freesurfer. Correlations between impulsiveness and CT and between CT and SFD were analyzed. Correlations between impulsiveness and SFD were also analyzed. Results showed significant adjusted and corrected correlations, both negative and positive, between impulsiveness and CT. Five negative associations with fronto-temporal and occipital areas were found. Of the 15 positive correlations, eight were with the right anterior cingulate cortex and three with left superior frontal gyrus.Positive correlations between 14 impulsiveness scores and SFD were also found. In conclusion, CT in prefrontal and temporal areas influences self-reported impulsiveness in healthy adults. Furthermore, SFD could influence the CT of regions involved in impulsiveness. Finally, we suggest that a higher SFD higher self-reported impulsiveness in healthy adults.