Conference paper

IMPULSIVITY IN ANXIETY DISORDERS. A CRITICAL REVIEW

Katarzyna Jakuszkowiak-Wojten ; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
Jerzy Landowski ; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
Mariusz S. Wiglusz ; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
Wiesław Jerzy Cubała ; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland

Abstract

Background: Anxiety symptoms and disorders are common. High comorbidity between anxiety and other psychiatric disorders
has been observed in community. Still, the relationship between impulsivity and anxiety disorders is controversial and not well
explored.
Material and methods: The aim of this paper is to review measures of trait impulsivity in anxiety disorders. A literature review
of the theoretical bases of the relationship between anxiety disorders and impulsivity is presented.
Results: Impulsivity is a key feature of numerous psychiatric disorders. Traditional conceptualizations suggest that impulsivity
might display a negative relationship with anxiety. However, an association of impulsivity in patients with anxiety disorders is
present. Some studies support proposition that anxiety may influence impulsivity in individuals with predisposition toward behavioural
disinhibition.
Conclusion: There is a link between anxiety and impulsivity in psychiatric patients characterized by problems with impulse
control (e.g. pathological gambling, self-harming behaviour, eating disorders), mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Behavioural
and pharmacological interventions for decreasing impulsivity may effectively be used in the treatment.

Keywords

impulsivity; anxiety disorders; BIS-11; serotonin

Hrčak ID:

264588

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/264588

Publication date:

8.9.2015.

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