Impulsivity

Impulsivity, with the possible exception of intelligence, is the personality dimension or trait that most broadly influences human endeavor. Impulsivity has been a topic of consideration throughout recorded history and discussed by classical philosophers. Over the past century, paper-and-pencil tests have been developed to test impulsivity and its three major dimensions, but these measures have still not been able to reliably predict how any one individual will react in any specific situation. Impulsivity relates directly to both impulsive and compulsive behavioral disorders, possibly mediated by some underlying central serotonergic dysfunction. Pharmacotherapy for these disorders has tended to focus on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Psychotherapeutic interventions that have proved effective in the treatment of impulsivity and the impulse control disorders (both impulsive and compulsive) include cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy.