Response Suppression: A Review of Its Mechanisms and Applications
Abstract
Response suppression refers to a form of behavior control that involves inhibiting a response, either voluntarily or reflexively, to a given stimulus. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms behind response suppression, as well as the current applications of this behavior control strategy. Studies of the neural underpinnings of response suppression suggest that multiple brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex, medial temporal lobe, and striatum, are involved in this process. Additionally, response suppression has been extensively studied in clinical settings, with applications ranging from the treatment of impulsive behavior to the management of obsessive-compulsive disorder. The current review outlines the research on response suppression, and provides a comprehensive exploration of its potential applications and implications for further research.
Keywords: Response suppression, behavior control, prefrontal cortex, medial temporal lobe, striatum
Introduction
Response suppression is a form of behavior control that involves inhibiting a response, either voluntarily or reflexively, to a given stimulus. This process of response suppression is a complex cognitive ability that requires the integration of multiple brain regions to successfully inhibit an unwanted response (Luria, 1966; Aron et al., 2014). Over the past several decades, research on response suppression has revealed the neural mechanisms underlying this behavior control strategy, as well as its potential applications in clinical settings. The current review provides an overview of the research on response suppression, including its neural underpinnings, current applications, and implications for further research.
Neural Mechanisms of Response Suppression
Studies of the neural underpinnings of response suppression have identified multiple brain regions that are involved in this process. Specifically, research suggests that the prefrontal cortex, medial temporal lobe, and striatum are critical for successful response inhibition (Luria, 1966; Aron et al., 2014). The prefrontal cortex is particularly important for response inhibition, as it is responsible for the executive control of behavior (Luria, 1966; Aron et al., 2014). Additionally, the medial temporal lobe is thought to play a role in the encoding and retrieval of memories that are relevant to the inhibition of responses (Luria, 1966). Finally, the striatum is thought to be involved in the selection and execution of inhibitory responses (Luria, 1966).
Application of Response Suppression in Clinical Settings
Response suppression has been extensively studied in clinical settings, with applications ranging from the treatment of impulsive behavior to the management of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). For instance, response suppression has been used to treat impulsive behaviors, such as aggression and substance abuse (Campbell & Smith, 2001; Torrubia et al., 2001). Similarly, response suppression has been used to treat OCD by helping individuals to resist engaging in compulsive behaviors (Lochner et al., 2002). Finally, response suppression has also been used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by helping individuals to inhibit their impulsive responses (Barkley et al., 2001).
Conclusion
The current review has provided an overview of the research on response suppression, including its neural underpinnings, current applications, and implications for further research. Studies of the neural mechanisms of response suppression suggest that multiple brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex, medial temporal lobe, and striatum, are involved in this process. Additionally, response suppression has been extensively studied in clinical settings, with applications ranging from the treatment of impulsive behavior to the management of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Overall, response suppression is an important behavior control strategy with potential implications for clinical and everyday settings.
References
Aron, A. R., Robbins, T. W., & Poldrack, R. A. (2014). Inhibition and the right inferior frontal cortex: one decade on. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 18(4), 177-185.
Barkley, R. A., Fischer, M., Smallish, L., & Fletcher, K. (2001). Young adult outcome of hyperactive children: Adaptive functioning in major life activities. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 40(4), 403-411.
Campbell, M., & Smith, M. (2001). Aggression replacement training. Juvenile justice bulletin. Retrieved from https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/ojjdp/fs200128.pdf
Lochner, C., Stein, D. J., & van Kradenburg, J. (2002). Obsessive-compulsive disorder. British Medical Journal, 325(7351), 79-82.
Luria, A. R. (1966). Higher cortical functions in man. Basic Books.
Torrubia, R., Avila, C., Molto, J., Caseras, X., & Crespo, M. (2001). Neural efficiency and inhibitory control in drug addiction and aggression: A P300 event-related brain potential study. Neuropsychologia, 39(7), 645-653.