Identifying impulsivity and substance use measures in neuroimaging datasets: A scoping review and searchable dataset repository for researchers

AI Summary

Scoping review identified 35 open-access datasets (200-500,000 participants) containing impulsivity, substance use and neuroimaging measures.
Compiled dataset metadata into a searchable, interactive Shiny application to streamline dataset discovery for neuroimaging studies of impulsivity and substance use.
Despite improved access, further work is needed to make data fully findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable; recommendations for sharing are provided.

Curr Addict Rep. 2026;13:38. doi: 10.1007/s40429-026-00746-y. Epub 2026 Apr 16.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Impulsivity is a risk factor for problematic substance use. Understanding its neural underpinnings requires large neuroimaging samples, which are difficult and costly to obtain. This scoping review aimed to identify open-access datasets that allow researchers to investigate the neural basis of impulsivity in relation to substance use.

RECENT FINDINGS: We searched PubMed, Scopus, and major data repositories. 35 openly available datasets with over 200 participants (ranging from 200 – 500,000) were identified that contain 1) impulsivity, 2) substance use, and 3) neuroimaging measures. We compiled this information into a searchable, interactive Shiny-based application to help researchers identify relevant datasets.

SUMMARY: Although access to large datasets is improving, more progress is needed to ensure data are findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. This review lowers barriers to using open-access data by guiding researchers toward available datasets relevant to the neural basis of impulsivity and substance use, as well as provides recommendations for future data sharing.

PMID:42221049 | PMC:PMC13221087 | DOI:10.1007/s40429-026-00746-y

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