[Impulsivity, sensation seeking and aggressiveness in patients with bipolar I and II disorder]

Abstract

Objective: Although impulsivity may seem to be strongly linked to bipolar disorder, few studies have directly measured this phenomenon. To determine its implications for the prognosis of this illness, we studied the relationship between impulsivity and other aspects that are probably related, such as sensation seeking and aggressiveness, and different clinical variables of bipolar disorder.

Method: Sixty-nine (type I, n=42; type II, n=27) outpatients from a unit specifically for bipolar patients in remission completed the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), the Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS), the Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI) and the Bipolar Eating Disorder Scale (BEDS). Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained.

Results: Type II bipolar patients scored significantly higher on the BIS and the BDHI physical aggression subscale. Patients with predominant depressive polarity also obtained significantly higher global scores on the BDHI. No differences were found relating to prior suicide attempts or psychiatric admissions. Smoking patients scored significantly higher on the BIS non-planning subscale and the SSS disinhibition subscale.

Limitations: As patients with substance use disorder (SUD) were excluded, the sample of this study may represents a subgroup of patients with bipolar disorder with probably low levels of impulsivity.

Conclusions: Impulsivity and aggressiveness are relevant aspects of bipolar disorders that could significantly increase comorbidity, especially in type II bipolar patients. Adequate diagnosis and treatment are, therefore, important factors in improving the clinical course of this illness.