Impulsivity as a Risk Factor for Addictive Disorder Severity during the COVID-19 Lockdown: Results from a Mixed...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Addiction Medicine

Background:

• Interindividual differences in personality, particularly impulsivity, are established risk factors for addictive disorders.
• The specific impact of impulsivity on addictive disorders during the unique stressors of the COVID-19 lockdown was previously unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between impulsivity traits (negative and positive urgency) and the severity of addictive disorders during COVID-19 lockdowns.
• To explore the subjective experiences of patients with addictive disorders, differentiating between high and low impulsivity during the lockdown period.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative data from 44 outpatients with addictive disorders.
• Quantitative assessment included self-administered questionnaires on impulsivity, emotion regulation, anxiety, depression, and addiction severity.
• Qualitative data were gathered through guided interviews with six patients from the quantitative sample.

Main Results:

• Higher levels of both negative and positive urgency were significantly correlated with increased addictive disorder severity.
• Patients with low emotion-related impulsivity utilized online resources more effectively for treatment adherence and employed more positive reappraisal strategies.
• Highly impulsive patients were more prone to self-medication (substances/behaviors), social isolation, and difficulties in managing negative emotions during lockdown.

Conclusions:

• Emotion-related impulsivity is a critical factor influencing how individuals with addictive disorders cope with significant stressors like the COVID-19 lockdown.
• Tailoring interventions based on impulsivity levels may enhance treatment adherence and coping mechanisms for vulnerable populations during crises.