Abstract
Impulsivity is a multidimensional construct encompassing domains of behavioral inhibition as well as of decision making. It is often adaptive and associated with fast responses, being in that sense physiological. However, abnormal manifestations of impulsive behavior can be observed in contexts of drug abuse and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), among others. A number of tools have therefore been devised to assess the different facets of impulsivity in both normal and pathological contexts. In this narrative review, we systematize behavioral and self-reported measures of impulsivity and critically discuss their constructs and limitations, establishing a parallel between assessments in humans and rodents. The first rely on paradigms that are typically designed to assess a specific dimension of impulsivity, within either impulsive action (inability to suppress a prepotent action) or impulsive choice, which implies a decision that weighs the costs and benefits of the options. On the other hand, self-reported measures are performed through questionnaires, allowing assessment of impulsivity dimensions that would be difficult to mimic in an experimental setting (e.g., positive/negative urgency and lack of premeditation) and which are therefore difficult (if not impossible) to measure in rodents.
Highlights
Impulsivity has been defined in multiple and partially overlapping manners: (i) a tendency to act quickly, often prematurely, and without appropriate foresight (Dalley and Robbins, 2017), (ii) predisposition to react in a rapid and unplanned manner to internal or external stimuli with reduced consideration for the negative impacts of such reaction (Fineberg et al, 2010), or (iii) a non-reflective stimulus, in opposition to a reward-driven action (Nigg, 2017)
Impulsivity can be considered as an umbrella term in which multiple processes are included
Not all forms of impulsivity can be objectively measured through laboratorycontrolled tasks, whose complementarity with self-reported measures is evidenced by the poor correlation between them
Summary
Impulsivity has been defined in multiple and partially overlapping manners: (i) a tendency to act quickly, often prematurely, and without appropriate foresight (Dalley and Robbins, 2017), (ii) predisposition to react in a rapid and unplanned manner to internal or external stimuli with reduced consideration for the negative impacts of such reaction (Fineberg et al, 2010), or (iii) a non-reflective stimulus, in opposition to a reward-driven action (Nigg, 2017). Tests for assessment of impulsive action typically involve a motor response, whose inhibition is rewarded Considering their simplicity, they are adapted and applied to both rodents and humans (see Table 1 and Figure 1 for direct associations). Tests for assessment of impulsive choice imply a decision between two potential actions, aiming to maximize the attained reward Such implies complex processes which often hinder a direct translation of tasks between human and rodents (see Table 1 and Figure 1 for direct associations). The variable delay to signal (VDS), assesses both impulsive action and delay tolerance (impulsive choice) (Leite-Almeida et al, 2013, rats; Soares et al, 2018, rats) It was originally based on the 5-csrtt, but using only one response aperture. Meta-analyses have been able to find associations between these subscales and impulsivity-related disorders, including alcohol (Berg et al, 2015) and substance (Berg et al, 2015; VanderVeen et al, 2016) abuse, nicotine dependence (Kale et al, 2018; Bos et al, 2019), borderline personality traits, suicidality, aggression, and eating disorders (Berg et al, 2015)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
