Comparing impulsivity in patients of mood disorder with healthy controls: A cross-sectional study

Background: Impulsivity is the tendency to act prematurely without foresight. Previous studies suggest that impulsivity is present in patients of bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) and major depressive disorder during the euthymic period as a trait-like characteristics. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to measure impulsivity of euthymic BPAD and major depressive disorder (MDD) patients and to compare it with healthy controls (HC). Materials and Methods: Patients attending the psychiatry out-patient department, with primary diagnosis of BPAD and major depressive disorder (according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder: DSM-5), currently in remission with treatment (not fulfilling the criteria for mania/hypomania/depression, according to Young Mania Rating Scale and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) will be assessed for impulsivity (using Barrat impulsiveness scale [BIS]). HCs were chosen from patients’ accompanying person. Impulsivity of the three groups was compared with one-way analysis of variance. Results: Impulsivity of both BPAD and MDD was found to be higher than HCs on both total score as well as all the subscales of BIS. Conclusion: Impulsivity was found to be higher in BPAD and MDD irrespective of the mood state.