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Psychiatric aspects of impulsivity.
F G Moeller1, E S Barratt, D M Dougherty
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Houston Health Science Center, 77030, USA. Frederick.G.Moeller@uth.tmc.edu
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|November 3, 2001
Summary
Impulsivity is a key feature in several psychiatric disorders, including personality, substance use, and bipolar disorders. Effective behavioral and pharmacological interventions for impulsivity should be integrated into treatment plans for these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Impulsivity is frequently observed in psychiatric disorders.
- Elevated impulsivity levels are noted in conduct disorder, personality disorders, substance use disorders, and bipolar disorder compared to general psychiatric patients or healthy individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the relationship between impulsivity and psychiatric disorders.
- To present hypotheses explaining these relationships.
- To review theoretical bases, measurements, and treatment options for impulsivity in psychiatric contexts.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the theoretical underpinnings of impulsivity in psychiatric disorders.
- Discussion of impulsivity measurement tools and treatment strategies.
- Examination of the physiological aspects of impulsivity and associated disorders.
Main Results:
- Impulsivity, understood through a biopsychosocial framework, is a central characteristic of numerous psychiatric disorders.
- Behavioral and pharmacological interventions targeting impulsivity are beneficial and should be incorporated into treatment regimens.
Conclusions:
- The high comorbidity of impulsivity with disorders like personality disorders, substance use disorders, and bipolar disorder is linked to shared biological substrates.
- Refining and validating impulsivity measures using an ideologically neutral model is crucial for advancing treatment research.