Electrical activity could be a biomarker for impulsive behaviors

Patterns of electrical activity may present a predictive marker for impulsive behaviors, presenting deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the nucleus acumbens as a potential treatment to avert these, according to research from Stanford University (CA, USA). Although an evolutionary necessity, impulse behaviors can become pathological, as exhibited in substance abuse, gambling, self-harm and outbursts of anger. “Imagine if you could predict and prevent a suicide attempt, a heroin injection, a burst of binge eating or alcohol intake, or a sudden bout of uncontrolled rage,” stated senior author, Casey Halpern (Stanford University). DBS has been approved for use in treating Parkinson’s...