Barrat Impulsiveness Scale Research Articles

The relationship of self-esteem, impulsivity and temperament in bipolar patients: is it differentially related to gender?

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between self-esteem, impulsivity and temperament, and to investigate whether it is differentially related to gender. Methods: One hundred consecutive cases who referred to our outpatient clinic for routine control and gave informed consent and who were diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder according to DSM-IV and were in remission period for at least eight week were evaluated. Impulsivity was evaluated with the Barrat Impulsivity Scale, self-esteem was evaluated with the Rosenberg self-esteem scale and affective temperament was evaluated with the Temperament Evaluation of the Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Autoquestionnaire. Results: A moderate inverse relation was found between impulsivity and self-esteem. This relation was stronger in women than men. Impulsivity was found to be moderately related with depressive and anxious temparements and strongly related with cyclothymic and irritable temparements. There was no relation between impulsivity and hyperthymic temperament. A moderate level relation was found between self-esteem and hyperthymic temperament. This relation was stronger in men than women. Conclusion: Self-esteem, impulsivity and temperament are differentially related to gender in bipolar patients.

Risk factors for suicidal ideations in patients with bipolar disorder

To identify the risk factors for suicidal ideation in subjects with bipolar depression. One-hundred and thirty subjects diagnosed with bipolar depression were evaluated on the following scales: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), Barrat's Impulsivity Scale (BIS), Irritability, Anxiety, and Depression (IDA) Scale, Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Buss-Durke Hostile Inventory (BDHI), and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Based on the BDI suicidal thoughts and wishes item (score of ≥ 1), the study sample was divided into those with and those without suicidal ideation. Compared to those without suicidal ideations, patients with bipolar depression with suicidal ideation had significantly higher scores on the BDI, YMRS, BPRS total score, IDA total score, PHQ-15, BHS total score, and most of the hostility subscales of the BHI. [corrected]. On binary logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio (OR) for [corrected] presence of suicidal ideations was more than one and was significant for the BHS [OR = 1.53, [corrected] 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24-1.99], the IDA-irritability directed inwards (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.03-2.13), and the total hostility score (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.02-1.20). Other factors for which the OR was more than one but the difference was not statistically significant were: Hindu religion (OR = 3.13, 95% CI: 0.76-12.99), lifetime mean duration of depressive episodes (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.74-1.57), past history of hospitalization (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.24-6.16), any preceding life events (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 0.28-7.52), subsyndromal manic symptoms (OR = 1.01, 95% CI:0.53-1.92), presence of psychotic symptoms (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.92-1.22), and irritability directed outwards (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.92-1.41). [corrected]. Among the various predictors of suicidal ideations, the severity of hopelessness, irritability directed inwards, and hostility are the most important risk factors for suicidal ideations in patients with bipolar disorder. [corrected]. Hence, patients with these risk factors should be closely monitored to prevent suicide attempts and completed suicides.

Study of suicidal ideations, hopelessness and impulsivity in elderly

Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the suicidal ideations, hopelessness and impulsivity in depressed and non-depressed elderly and to study the relationship of suicidal ideations with hopelessness and impulsivity in them. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was done on 60 elderly patients (30 cases and 30 controls) above the age of 60 years. The scales used were Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale, Beck Hopelessness Scale, Barrat's Impulsiveness Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale. Results: Mean Geriatric Suicide Ideations Scale scores, mean Beck Hopelessness Scale scores and mean Barrat's Impulsiveness Scale and scores of depressed elderly were higher than that of elderly who were not depressed and these differences were statistically significant. Hopelessness was a significant predictor of suicidal ideation in the entire sample as well as in the depressed and non-depressed elderly when the two groups were considered separately. Impulsivity when considered alone was a significant predictor of suicidal ideations in the entire sample. Conclusion: Hopelessness and impulsivity both by themselves are significant predictors for suicidal ideations in the elderly and when both are considered together hopelessness is a better predictor of suicidal ideations than impulsivity.

EPA-1342 – Reduced loss avoidance and overconfidence in obsessive-compuslive disorder: a neuroeconomic perspective.

The aim of the study was to evaluate decision-making process and probabilistic bias in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Our sample consisted of 80 subjects (40 diagnosed with OCD and 40 healthy controls). To assess the clinical characteristic of the sample we performed a clinical interview and a psychometric assessement using the Barrat Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and the Cloniger's Temperamnt and Character Inventory (TCI-125). To assess decision making processes and probabilistic reasoning we used the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) and the Beads Task. OCD group had a significantly lower IGT final netscore (p 0.032). Moreover, controls showed a significant improvement between netscore 1 and netscore 5 (p 0.014) while patients did not (p 0.700). Patients also showed significantly less draws till decision on the Beads Task (p 0.000). We performed four regression analysis to evaluate the influence of clinical variables (duration of illness, treatment resistance, Y-BOCS Score, presence of tics, Barratt Score) and personality traits (TCI sub-scales) on IGT netscore and Beads Task. The results indicated that the four overall models were not statistically significant. Our data show the presence of a decision making and probabilistic reasoning impairment in OCD. These data could be intareptated in a neurocognitive perspective as executive dysfunction and in a neuroeconomic perspective as a reduced loss avoidance and overconfidence during decision making processes.

EPA-1135 – Psychotherapy focused on psychic representation (PFPR)for borderline personality disorders. rct results.

Introduction Psychotherapy Focused on Psychic Representation (PFPR) is a new time limited dynamic psychotherapy for the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. It is a manualized psychodynamic technique based on brief psychoanalytic psychotherapies principles and designed to be applied in the framework of public care services. A randomized and controlled study with a sample of 53 patients was conducted to assess PFPR's efficacy. We are reporting the final results at the end of treatment and at the 6 and 12 months of follow up. Methods Both groups, the experimental (n=25) and control group (n=28) received treatment as usual. The experimental group received 20 additional PFPR sessions performed by four therapists with homogenous characteristics, specifically trained in this technique. The main outcome variables measures were: Severity global index of SCL-90-R, Barrat Impulsivity Scale scores and Social Adaptation (SASS score). Baseline and conditions at the end of treatment and at the 6 and 12 months of follow up period were compared. Results and Conclusions Results showed significantly better outcomes for the experimental group in all main variables and in most of the secondary ones at the end of treatment. At 6 months follow up, the significant differences remain in level of impulsivity and some other secondary variables. At 12 months follow up the experimental group shows better results in all variables but only depressive symptoms measurement remains significant.

Impulsiveness in chronic hepatitis C patients

ObjectiveThe objective was to investigate impulsiveness among chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients and its association with sociodemographic, clinical and psychopathological factors. MethodNinety-one CHC individuals were enrolled in a cross-sectional study at a Brazilian public university-based outpatient’s service for infectious diseases. They were assessed using the Barrat Impulsiveness Scale, Brief Fatigue Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory and Hamilton Anxiety Scale. Structured psychiatric interview was performed according to the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Multivariate analysis was performed according to linear stepwise forward regression. ResultsThe total score of impulsiveness according to BIS in studied population was 64.6±9.8. The scores for the nonplanning, cognitive–attentional and motor domains were 23.8±5, 19.4±2.9 and 21.4±5, respectively. Impulsiveness was associated with lower educational level, current interferon-α (IFN) use, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, alcohol use disorder, mixed anxiety and depressive disorder, specific phobia, bipolar spectrum disorders and anxiety symptoms. During IFN treatment, impulsiveness was also associated with suicide risk. ConclusionImpulsiveness was frequent in CHC patients and was associated with several psychopathological alterations. Impulsiveness management should be considered when attending CHC patients.

Impulsivity in patients with obesity and correlations with body perception and self-esteem

Objective: This aim of this study was to investigate levels of impulsivity in morbid and non-morbid obese patients and the relationship between impulsivity level and body perception and self-esteem. Methods: One hundred fifty-two volunteers, 76 obesity patients and 76 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included. Morbid and non-morbid obesity patients’ impulsivity levels were measured using the Barrat Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11), body perception using the Body Cathexis Scale (BCS) and self-esteem using Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Results: There was no difference between morbid and non-morbid obesity patients and the healthy control group in terms of motor impulsivity subscale scores. Total impulsivity scores and attentional impulsivity and non-planning impulsivity subscale scores were higher in the morbid obesity patients compared to the healthy controls, but there were no differences in these scores between the non-morbid obesity patients and healthy controls. Non-planning impulsivity subscale scores were higher in the morbid obesity patients compared to the non-morbid group. A negative correlation was determined between impulsivity and self-esteem in the obesity patients. Conclusions: A high impulsivity level may be a significant factor in the development of morbid obesity. Psychotherapeutic interventions based on self-esteem and impulsive characteristics such as inattention, cognitive instability and being focused on the moment, in other words, not making plans for the future, in morbid obesity patients may assist the medical and surgical treatment of such patients.

2346 – Cocaine-induced psychosis and impulsivity in cocaine-dependent patients

Cocaine induced psychosis (CIP) is common but not developed in all cases. Many risk factors have been linked with CIP. A lifetime diagnosis of ADHD has been associated with the categorical presence of CIP. The objective of this study is to determinate the relationship between impulsivity and impulsivity-realetd disorders (BPD, BN and ADHD) and CIP. We study the presence of psychotic symptoms using a clinical interview for psychotic symptoms in a large sample of cocaine-dependent patients. Patients suffering from schizophrenia or bipolar disorders were excluded. Finally we included 287 patients in the study. A structured interview about psychotic symptoms were systematically conducted. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM IV Axis I and Axis II disorders were used in order to identify the comorbidity. CAADID-II (Conners’ Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview for DSM-IV) were used in order to identify ADHD comorbidity. Barrat impulsivity scale were used for evaluate impulsivity. BIS total were 63.78. We identify a significant association between CIP and BIS cognitive subscale p < 0.003 and BIS total p < 0.021. We also identify a significant association between CIP and adult ADHD in cocaine-dependent patients p < .0.002. We fail to identify association between CIP and BPD and BN. CIP is related with BIS cognitive subscale and BIS total scores, and with ADHD comorbidity in cocaine-dependent patients. As well these findings could be useful for a clinical approach to the risks of psychotic states in cocaine-dependent patients.

Türkiye’de Şizofrenili Hastalarda Sigara Kullanımı: Psikopatoloji, Sosyodemografik Ve Klinik Özelliklerle İlişkisi / Cigarette Smoking In Patients With Schizophrenia In Turkey: Relationships To Psychopathology, Socio-Demographic And Clinical Characteristics

Objective: In individuals with schizophrenia, the prevalence of cigarette smoking is significantly higher than that of the general population. This appears to be associated with specific psychosocial and clinical characteristics. However, there is limited data regarding the relationship between smoking and psychopathology, insight, impulsivity, suicidality, hopelessness and depression in patients with schizophrenia. In this regard, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between these characteristics and smoking in patients with schizophrenia in Turkey. Method: In this cross-sectional study, 133 outpatients with DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia were recruited and independently interviewed for nicotine dependency with tobacco use. Scale for Assessment of Negative and Positive Symptoms (SANS and SAPS), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Barrat Impulsivity Scale (BIS), The Yale-Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (YBOCS), Beck Cognitive Insight Scale, Scale of Unawareness of Mental Disorder (SUMD) were used to evaulate related psychopathologic variables. Results: The results revealed that smokers with schizophrenia had higher rates of hospitalization, lifetime suicide attempts, more severe psychopathology, higher impulsivity and hopelessness scores than non-smokers with schizophrenia. In addition, another important result was that smokers with schizophrenia have higher unemployment rates. Conclusion: From this study, we may gain new insights into the role of cigarette smoking in patients of schizophrenia in Turkey. Our findings suggest that cigarette smoking is associated with not only severe psychopathology but also with impulsivity and hopelessness which are related to suicidality, in patients with schizophrenia. This relationship between suicidality, impulsivity and hopelessness may be of clinical importance for patients with schizophrenia.

Combining scales to assess suicide risk

ObjectivesA major interest in the assessment of suicide risk is to develop an accurate instrument, which could be easily adopted by clinicians. This article aims at identifying the most discriminative items from a collection of scales usually employed in the assessment of suicidal behavior. MethodsThe answers to the Barrat Impulsiveness Scale, International Personality Disorder Evaluation Screening Questionnaire, Brown–Goodwin Lifetime History of Aggression, and Holmes & Rahe Social Readjustment Rating Scale provided by a group of 687 subjects (249 suicide attempters, 81 non-suicidal psychiatric inpatients, and 357 healthy controls) were used by the Lars-en algorithm to select the most discriminative items. ResultsWe achieved an average accuracy of 86.4%, a specificity of 89.6%, and a sensitivity of 80.8% in classifying suicide attempters using 27 out of the 154 items from the original scales. ConclusionsThe 27 items reported here should be considered a preliminary step in the development of a new scale evaluating suicidal risk in settings where time is scarce.

Co-Morbid Psychopathology of Patients with Pathological Internet use and Alcoholism – A Comparative Study

Aims: There is increasing concern that the Internet and video games contain an addictive potential. However, it has been discussed, whether pathological Internet use (PIU) is to be diagnosed as an impulse control disorder as pathological gambling or in analogy to substance abuse disorders. Contributing to this discussion, the study compares psychopathological features and co-morbidities of patients with PIU and alcoholism. Methods: Both 25 Internet- and alcohol-dependent patients were assessed for psychopathological symptomatology and co-morbidity with the Structured Clinical Interview according to DSM-IV (SKID), the Symptom-Checklist (SCL-90R), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Connors’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) and the Barrat Impulsiveness Scale (BIS). For the PIU-patients the level of dependency was measured with the Internet Addiction Scale (ISS) and for the alcohol addicted patients with the Trier Alcoholism Scale (TIA). Both patient groups were matched with control groups containing 25 individuals with an analogous distribution in terms of age, sex and education. Results: As opposed to 44% of the alcohol addicted patients all PIU-patients (100%) fulfilled the criteria of another psychiatric disease, especially depression and anxiety disorders. As compared to their control groups, both the alcohol and the Internet addicted patients scored significantly higher in terms of depression (BDI), impulsivity (BIS) and inattention (CAARS). However, in none of the psychometric tests the two patient groups showed significant differences. Conclusions: Patients with PIU exhibit a clinical level of psychopathological symptomatology and share similar psychopathological and co-morbid features with alcohol addiction. In order to examine this novel form of addiction further and to treat patients adequately, it is argued that PIU should be established as a diagnostic entity in line with behavioral and substance addictions within diagnostic classification systems.

Improving the accuracy of suicide attempter classification

Psychometrical questionnaires such as the Barrat's impulsiveness scale version 11 (BIS-11) have been used in the assessment of suicidal behavior. Traditionally, BIS-11 items have been considered as equally valuable but this might not be true. The main objective of this article is to test the discriminative ability of the BIS-11 and the international personality disorder evaluation screening questionnaire (IPDE-SQ) to predict suicide attempter (SA) status using different classification techniques. In addition, we examine the discriminative capacity of individual items from both scales. Two experiments aimed at evaluating the accuracy of different classification techniques were conducted. The answers of 879 individuals (345 SA, 384 healthy blood donors, and 150 psychiatric inpatients) to the BIS-11 and IPDE-SQ were used to compare the classification performance of two techniques that have successfully been applied in pattern recognition issues, Boosting and support vector machines (SVM) with respect to linear discriminant analysis, Fisher linear discriminant analysis, and the traditional psychometrical approach. The most discriminative BIS-11 and IPDE-SQ items are "I am self controlled" (Item 6) and "I often feel empty inside" (item 40), respectively. The SVM classification accuracy was 76.71% for the BIS-11 and 80.26% for the IPDE-SQ. The IPDE-SQ items have better discriminative abilities than the BIS-11 items for classifying SA. Moreover, IPDE-SQ is able to obtain better SA and non-SA classification results than the BIS-11. In addition, SVM outperformed the other classification techniques in both questionnaires.

Psychobiology of borderline personality traits related to subtypes of eating disorders: A study of platelet MAO activity

Increased and decreased levers of platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity have been reported in patients with eating disorders, indicating abnormalities of the serotonin turnover. However, whether these findings are related to eating disorders or are rather reflecting the pathophysiology of borderline personality traits in these patients is still unknown. Platelet MAO activity and comorbid personality disorders were investigated in 72 patients with different subtypes of eating disorders (ED) and in a group of 28 healthy controls. ED patients comprised the following subtypes: 25 anorexia nervosa (AN) restrictive, 14 AN binge eating–purging (AN b-p), 3 anorexia nervosa not otherwise specified (AN NOS) and 30 bulimia nervosa (BN). Personality disorders and traits were assessed with the Structured Interview for Personality Disorders (SCID-II), the Zanarini Rating Scale for Borderline Personality Disorder, and the Barrat Impulsiveness Scale. Platelet MAO activity was significantly lower in ED patients with comorbid borderline personality disorder (BPD) than in ED without Borderline personality disorder (BDP). Platelet MAO activity was significantly and inversely correlated with the number and severity of BPD clinical features. In the subsample of patients with binge eating–purging symptoms (AN b-p, AN NOS and BN), platelet MAO activity was significantly lower in binge–purge patients with comorbid BPD than in binge–purge patients without BPD. The whole group of eating disorders had a significantly reduced lever of platelet MAO activity compared with the control group. The results suggest that low platelet MAO activity might characterize eating disorders with comorbid borderline personality traits, reflecting greater serotonin dysfunction in these patients. The role of decreased platelet MAO as an endophenotype with specific clinical manifestations should be explored in future studies.

P01-97 - Impulsivity and addiction severity in cocaine, cocaine and heroin and heroin dependent patients measured by BIS-11 and Europasi

ObjectivesWe aimed to study the relationship between impulsivity and the addiction severity in 3 groups of outpatients attending our clinic, through the Barrat Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11) and the standarized, semistructured interview EuropAsi.Methods174 outpatients were analized (82.6% men, 113 cocaine-dependent as main drug (mean age 32.71 y.o. (31.45–33.96)), 43 cocaine and heroin-dependent (mean age 36.68 y.o. (33.52–39.85)) and 18 heroin dependent (mean age 37.94 (32.71–41.50)). 26.3% were cannabis-dependent and 10.9% abused of Cannabis. Statistical analysis used was the Kruskal-Wallis Test.ResultsDifferences in motor impulsivity were found between the 2 groups with cocaine dependency and the only heroin-dependent (mean = 20.59, ST ± 7.7 and mean = 17.11, ST ± 7.3, respectively; W: .019). EuropASI, showed intergroup differences in the medical, use of alcohol and legal areas. In the medical area the most affected were the heroin dependent group (mean score = .40), followed by cocaine and heroin group (mean score = .27) and the cocaine-dependent (Mean = .10). In the use of alcohol area the most affected were the cocaine group (Mean = .16) followed by the cocaine and heroin-dependent (mean = .11) and heroin dependent (Mean = .06). In the legal area the most affected were the the cocaine and heroin-dependent (Mean =.22) followed by heroin-dependent (Mean = .09) and cocaine-dependent (Mean = .07).ConclusionsPatients suffering from stimulant dependency alone or together with heroin dependency show different impulsivity levels. The addiction severity varies depending on the substance of abuse. Treatment programs should be designed attending patients’ needs.

P01-98 - Impulsivity spectrum disorders as a risk factor for cocaine-induced psychosis

IntroductionChronic consumption of cocaine can induce transient psychotic symptoms, expressed as paranoia or hallucinations. This is typically prevented by abstinence. The term Cocaine-Induced Psychosis (CIP) has been used to describe this syndrome. Impulsivity has been hypothesised are likked with CIP.ObjectivesThis study examined the relationship between CIP and substance consumption variables and impulsivity disorders including ADHD (Axis I) and Borderline personality disorders (BPD) (Axis II), and attempted to evaluated their link as a risk factors for CIP.AimsTrained psychiatrists systematically conducted a structured interview in which the conclusions from the psychotic symptoms were summarized. We used the CADDID to evaluate Adult ADHD, SCID II for axis II disorders, and the Barrat Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11).MethodsWe evaluated 163 (34,16 yo, 85,80% men) cocaine-dependent patients, according to DSM-IV criteria.ResultsWe found statistically significant association between CIP and Early age at onset of cocaine addiction (p = 0,04), cocaine use per day 6 months before starting treatment (p = 0,03), Barrat cognitive impulsivity subscale (p &lt; 0,004), and Adult ADHD (p &lt; 0,041). No relationship between BPD and CIP was found.ConclusionsWe confirm previous findings that Impulsivity disorders as ADHD or high impulsivity trails are liked to CIP. Coinciding with our previous findings, relationship between early age of onset cocaine dependence or high amounts of cocaine use and CIP was found. CIP are related with impulsivity disorders spectrum.

Frontal stroke: Problem solving, decision making, impulsiveness, and depressive symptoms in men and women.

The present study compared men and women who suffered a frontal lobe stroke with regard to problem solving, decision making, impulsive behavior and depressive symptoms and also correlated these variables between groups. The sample was composed of 10 males and nine females. The study period was 6 months after the stroke. The following instruments were used: Wisconsin Card Sort Test (WCST), Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), Barrat Impulsiveness Scale (BIS11), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). For the exclusion criteria of the sample, the Mini International Psychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I Plus) and Mini Mental Stage Examination (MMSE) were used. To measure functional severity post-stroke, the Rankin Scale was used. The average age was 60.90 ± 8.93 years for males and 60.44 ± 11.57 years for females. In females, total impulsiveness (p = .013) and lack of planning caused by impulsiveness (p = .028) were significantly higher compared with males, assessed by the BIS11. These data indicate that females in the present sample who suffered a chronic frontal lesion were more impulsive and presented more planning difficulties in situations without demanding cognitive processing. These results that show gender differences should be considered when planning psychotherapy and cognitive rehabilitation for patients who present these characteristics.

The effectiveness of EEG-feedback on attention, impulsivity and EEG: A sham feedback controlled study

EEG-feedback, also called neurofeedback, is a training procedure aimed at altering brain activity, and is used as a treatment for disorders like Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Studies have reported positive effects of neurofeedback on attention and other dependent variables. However, double-blind studies including a sham neurofeedback control group are lacking. The inclusion of such group is crucial to control for unspecific effects. The current work presents a sham-controlled, double-blind evaluation. The hypothesis was that neurofeedback enhances attention and decreases impulsive behavior. Participants ( n = 27) were students selected on relatively high scores on impulsivity/inattention questionnaires (Barrat Impulsivity Scale and Broadbent CFQ). They were assigned to a neurofeedback treatment or a sham group. (sham)Neurofeedback training was planned for 15 weeks consisting of a total of 30 sessions, each lasting 22 min. Before and after 16 sessions (i.e., interim analyses), qEEG was recorded and impulsivity and inattention was assessed using a stop signal task and reversed continuous performance task and two questionnaires. Results of the interim analyses showed that participants were blind with respect to group inclusion, but no trend towards an effect of neurofeedback on behavioral measures was observed. Therefore in line with ethical guidelines the experiment was ceased. These results implicate a possible lack of effect of neurofeedback when one accounts for non-specific effects. However, the specific form of feedback and application of the sham-controlled double-blind design may have diminished the effect of neurofeedback.

P03-267 - Impulsivity as predictor of non-fatal overdose among opioid users

ObjectivesHeroin use has been associated with increased impulsive behavior. Overdose (OD) is a common cause of death among in opioide users, but majority of them report a history of non fatal OD. The aim of this study has been to observe the role of impulsivity among heroin users, as a prominent factor which can lead to non-fatal OD.MethodsSixty patients, heroin users (30 male and 30 female), were separated in two groups- first with positive history of non fatal OD and intravenous administration opoides and second without history of OD and same addiction pattern. Control group was formed of 30 heroin users reported non fatal OD and with intranasal administration opioides.The psychometric inventory- Barrat Impulsivity Scale (BIS 11), Dickman Impulsivity Inventory (DII), and Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS) were also administrated to patients with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD).ResultsThe results have demonstrated significantly higher mean scores on Barrat and Dickman scale, compared with control. Separated analyses of variance conducted on Motor Barrat Subscale and Dysfunctional impulsives on Dickman Inventory revealed significant correlation in mean scores (p&lt; 0.01).The important relationship between seeking for sensation and motor impulsivity was shown.There is no relevant diference detected on HAMD compared to control.ConclusionChronic abuse of illicit drugs, such as heroin, produces significant deficit in executive control functions.These findings suggests that impulsivity could be associated with increase risk of non- fatal overdose.

PW01-216 - The impulsivity changes associated to alcohol and cocaine use

Impulsivity is associated with different types of disorders, included substance used disorders. The purposed of this study is get to know if alcohol and cocaine affect in the same way to the impulsivity paradigms or if they strength each other or if there are specific bias associated to each one of the substances.Material and methodsThis is a 380 heavy drinker patient's sample recruited from twelve primary care centers. The patients were screened using The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT &gt; 8). Neuropsicological tests done at the base line and after the 4 years of the study were the Continous Performance Test (CPT) and the Barrat Impulsivity scale. The alcohol and cocaine consume accumulated along the four years was also study.ResultsThe two variables of the CPT (ommission and commission errors) had a significant correlation with the alcohol and cocaine use accumulated in these four years. The variable that was associated with a greater risk of making more commission and ommission errors was the cocaine risk consumption. The years of study were protective variable.ConclusionsThe most important conclusion of this study is that alcohol and cocaine use produces a modification in the conductual paradigm of impulsivity characterized by the inhibition difficulties measured by the CPT. Also, the cocaine use effects are added respect to the alcohol ones and finally that cocaine plus alcohol effects over the number of ommission and commission errors are more potent that the ones made only with alcohol.

Psychometric Evaluation of a Dutch Version of the Dimensions of Anger Reactions

Two studies were conducted to investigate the psychometric properties of a Dutch translation of the Dimensions of Anger Reactions, a brief test to measure anger disposition. In the first study, the factor structure, internal consistency, and validity of the scale were examined in a sample of 97 students. Factor analysis essentially yielded one factor, although further inspection found some evidence for a two-factor structure referring to "anger response" and "impairment." The internal consistency was acceptable, and convergent and divergent validities were supported by a theoretically meaningful pattern of correlations with other self-report measures, such as the Aggression Questionnaire, Barratt's Impulsivity Scale-11, and the Symptom Checklist-90. In a second study, the test-retest reliability of the scale was examined in a separate sample of 37 students. A correlation coefficient of .84 was found, supporting the reliability of the scale. Altogether, it can be concluded that the Dutch Dimensions of Anger Reactions seems to be reliable and valid for assessing anger disposition.