There is also a large body of research on the role of the P3 amplitude in addictions and impulsive behaviors. For instance, Chen and colleagues (2007) assessed the relationship between impulsivity (measured by the BIS) and alcohol dependence, and their correlations with P3 amplitude. Healthy control subjects and subjects with DSM-IV diagnosis of alcohol dependence were assessed with a visual oddball task. Alcohol dependent subjects had lower target P3 amplitudes, which was also associated with lower activity in the cingulate, medial, and superior frontal regions. Alcohol dependent subjects had significantly higher scores on the BIS than nonalcohol using individuals, and BIS scores were negatively correlated with P3 amplitude. In sum, results demonstrated a strong frontal focus of reduced activation during processing of visual targets in alcohol dependent subjects and individuals with higher impulsivity (Chen et al, 2007).
