THE INTERPLAY OF GENETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES ON PREFRONTAL FUNCTION AND SELF-REGULATION OF IMPULSIVITY

Abstract

Self-regulation of impulsivity via maturation of the executive resources benefits our well-being. The review of behavioral, neuroimaging, and pharmacological studies appears to provide evidence of a relationship between the self-regulation of impulsivity, activity of the prefrontal cortex, and serotonergic neurotransmission. Although a wide range of genetic, developmental, and social factors exists, much of this information, their interactive mechanisms in particular, remains to be clarified. Thus, in the present article, I first review the brain functions that underlie self-regulative processes and then provide an update on recent findings regarding serotonergic neurotransmission. Next, by integrating findings from behavioral genetics that examine the association between gene polymorphism and impulsivity, I discuss the bright sides of the risk allele of gene polymorphism. Finally, I argue the future direction of genetic and environmental bidirectional studies.