Psychiatric diagnosis and treatment currently relies on sets of arbitrary criteria decided largely on the basis of expert opinion rather than understanding of pathophysiology. There is a growing realization that the careful elucidation and measurement of intermediate biological characteristics is central to refining/improving existing psychiatric classification and treatment. As highlighted in the NIMH Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) strategic plan, it is necessary to identify intermediate brain-based markers, cutting across related psychiatric disorders, and continuous with relevant markers of variability in the general population (Cuthbert & Insel, 2013). The concepts of impulsivity and compulsivity represent fruitful heuristics in the search for intermediate brain-based markers of psychopathology. Impulsivity refers to behaviors or actions that are inappropriate, premature, unduly thought out, risky, and that lead to untoward longer term outcomes (Evenden, 1999).Compulsivity refers to a tendency towards repetitive, habitual actions, repeated despite adverse consequences (Robbins et al., 2012). Impulsivity and compulsivity can manifest not only at the level of a clinical yndrome or disorder, but also in terms of personality and behavioral tendencies (as measured by questionnaires; e.g. Barratt et al., 1994), and in terms of cognitive dysfunction. Our Center of Excellence examines aspects of impulsivity and compulsivity underlying multiple unhealthy behaviors in young adults - sex, smoking, alcohol use, and gambling to name only a few.

1) Examine the neurocognitive underpinnings of impulsive and compulsive behaviors, such as sex, gambling, drug use, in young adults.

2) Examine genetic links to the neurocognitive aspects of impulsive and compulsive behaviors in young adults.

The study has examined 550 young adults using a range of neurocognitive, genetic, clinical, and neuroimaging measures. A range of behaviors and psychiatric disorders have been examined in this population. Subjects have been followed in a longitudinal design for up to five years.

SPSS (We will provide software and statistical support.)

Ability to show a poster at the American Psychiatric Association annual meeting.