Association of impulsivity with feedback-related negativity during gambling task

Several neurological and psychiatric diseases, such as alcoholism and attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder, were reported to show abnormality in feedback-related negativity (FRN). These illnesses are characterized by deficits in control of impulsivity in addition to attentional control. Here, we investigated the relationship between FRN and impulsivity in healthy people. We performed correlation analyses between FRN recorded during a gambling task and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale scores. All participants showed FRN to negative feedback information after monetary loss. The analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between FRN amplitude and the non-planning impulsiveness score, which assess lack of prior planning or future orientation. This finding suggests that FRN may be a neurophysiological marker of unplanned impulsiveness.