Impulsivity in anxiety disorders
Abstract
Impulsivity is "a predisposition to react in a sudden and unplanned way to internal or external stimuli without regard to the possible negative consequences of these in relation to themselves or others". In the International Diagnostic System, as the DSM-V and ICD-10, impulsivity is mentioned among the operative criteria for many mental disorders and for some of them (impulse control disorders, personality disorders, substance abuse, bipolar disorders) represents a central aspect. The relationship between anxiety and impulsivity is controversial and has received little attention in the scientific literature. Historically, the two dimensions were considered orthogonal, although there are clinical evidences about their coexistence in some psychopathological conditions. Studies on impulsivity are also burdened with several methodological questions: impulsivity is a complex dimension (for example state/trait aspects) and researchers have debated its main constituents to improve the validity of the construct and to provide instrument for a correct evaluation. The purpose of this research is to assess impulsivity in patients with primary anxiety disorders, using both state and trait measures, and to assess any differences from a control group matched for demographic characteristics. Furthermore, it explores the role of comorbidity with Cyclothymic Disorder (CD) and the relationships with affective temperaments. In particular, our hypotheses are: (a) impulsivity may be greater in…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case series, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health. Reported size: 47 participants or records.
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