Neuroimaging and Neurobehavioral Basis of Risky Decision Making in Adolescents

Many older adolescents (18-24 yrs. old) engage in high-risk behaviors such as unprotected sex, multiple sex partners, and drug use. HIV+ adolescents may continue to engage in high-risk behaviors. It is imperative that early markers of risky behaviors are identified so effective interventions are implemented to reduce HIV transmission. This project will utilize non-invasive neuroimaging to quantitatively measure cerebral blood flow (CBF) within risky decision-making networks. Preliminary studies have demonstrated that HIV diminishes CBF by 60% within risky decision-making areas. We will also use computer based neurobehavioral tests that simulate real-life risky decision making situations. This research will: 1) increase our knowledge concerning the interaction between risky decision-making and HIV in adolescents, 2) provide development of early neuroimaging and neurobehavioral markers that assess the impact of HIV infection on risky decision- making networks and 3) assist nurses, clinicians, and public health practitioners in developing interventions.