# Developmental Changes in Neural Processes Underlying Inattention, Impulsivity and Regulation

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · 2021 · $903,855

## Abstract

Problems with impulsivity are of major relevance to public health as they affect not only individuals
but also society as a whole. High impulsivity is associated with a myriad of poor outcomes including
psychopathology, substance use disorders, low educational and occupational attainment, poor physical health,
and high accident rates [11-17]. Impulsivity presents on a spectrum and persons with attention-deficit/
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) lie at the extreme of the continuum. In this revised competing R01 renewal we
propose a four-time-point longitudinal study design, adding the acquisition of two time points to the previous two
acquisitions of the initial cohort using task-based functional and diffusion tensor (DTI) neuroimaging data, with a
new emphasis on how emotional functioning relates to impulsivity. To address the dimensional nature of
impulsivity we will also add a group of individuals with subclinical ratings of impulsivity, to explore how the full
range and persistence of impulsivity over time affects outcomes. We will now extend the age range from the
initial data collection at 12 to 25 years to 15 to 30 years in the previously recruited neurotypicals (NT) and
participants with ADHD. We will focus on impulsivity-related outcomes that are more likely to emerge in the 15
to 30-year age span such as irritability, emotional lability, psychiatric and substance use disorders, self-harm
and suicide attempts, and academic and occupational dysfunction. We hypothesize that the strength of the
structural connectivity between (1) the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and dorsal striatum pathway will
predict individual differences in impulsivity, with greater negative coupling between the DLPFC and dorsal
striatum associated with greater impulse control. We posit that this connection will strengthen with maturity. We
also hypothesize that increased connectivity strength between (2) the ventral striatum and the amygdala will
predict more impulsive behavior. We aim to characterize in a multi-modal (fMRI, DTI, behavior) longitudinal
imaging investigation: (a) how these changes emerge from early adolescence through young adulthood and (b)
how these developmental changes are reflected in persons ranging from typical through elevated and significant
impulsivity. Furthermore, we will assess how brain connectivity and behavior differ between persons with ADHD
who continue to express impulsive decisions (persisters) versus those who are no longer making impulsive
decisions (remitters) during the transition into young adulthood. We will also assess how functioning in these
neural systems (e.g., DLPFC & striatum) may be moderated by and associated with irritability and degree of
emotional regulation. Extending an aim from the original grant, we will test the relation between brain functioning
and real-world functioning, including occupational achievement, presence of psychopathology, self-harm, and
substance use disorders. We will also assess what fac...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10199749
- **Project number:** 5R01MH091068-09
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- **Principal Investigator:** JULIE B. SCHWEITZER
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $903,855
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2012-08-15 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10199749

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10199749, Developmental Changes in Neural Processes Underlying Inattention, Impulsivity and Regulation (5R01MH091068-09). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10199749. Licensed CC0.

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