Dysfunctional representation of expected value is associated with reinforcement-based decision-making deficits in adolescents with conduct problems.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Previous work has shown that patients with conduct problems (CP) show impairments in reinforcement-based decision-making. However, studies with patients have not previously demonstrated any relationships between impairment in any of the neurocomputations underpinning reinforcement-based decision-making and specific symptom sets [e.g. level of CP and/or callous-unemotional (CU) traits].

Methods

Seventy-two youths [20 female, mean age = 13.81 (SD = 2.14), mean IQ = 102.34 (SD = 10.99)] from a residential treatment program and the community completed a passive avoidance task while undergoing functional MRI.

Results

Greater levels of CP were associated with poorer task performance. Reduced representation of expected values (EV) when making avoidance responses w

SUBMITTER: White SF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4958524 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature