How We Say No: Norepinephrine, Inferior Frontal Gyrus, and Response Inhibition

Abstract

Response inhibition is a central element of executive control that is critical for adaptive behavior in a dynamic and unpredictable environment. The inability to inhibit inappropriate responses has been linked to several prevalent disorders, including compulsions, autism, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Therefore, the ability to develop more effective treatments for these disorders is likely to depend, at least in part, on understanding the brain mechanisms that control response inhibition, including the underlying neurotransmitter systems.