Barrat Impulsiveness Scale Research Articles

Smartphone and Facebook addictions share common risk and prognostic factors in a sample of undergraduate students.

To improve the comprehension of the interface between smartphone addiction (SA) and Facebook addiction (FA), we hypothesize that the occurrence of both technological addictions correlate, with higher levels of negative consequences. Moreover, we hypothesize that SA is associated with lower levels of social support satisfaction. We recruited a convenience sample of undergraduate students from Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, with age ranging between 18 and 35 years. All subjects completed a self-fulfilled questionnaire comprising sociodemographic data, the Brazilian Smartphone Addiction Inventory (SPAI-BR), the Bergen Scale for Facebook Addiction, the Barrat Impulsivity Scale 11 (BIS-11), the Social Support Satisfaction Scale (SSSS), and the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (BSSS-8). After completing the questionnaire, the interviewer conducted a Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). In the univariate analysis, SA associated with female gender, with ages 18 to 25 years, FA, substance abuse disorders, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, low scores in SSSS, high scores in BSSS-8, and high scores in BIS. The group with SA and FA presented a higher prevalence of substance abuse disorders, depression, and anxiety disorders when compared to the group with SA only. In our sample, co-occurrence of SA and FA correlated with higher levels of negative consequences and lower levels of social support satisfaction. These results strongly suggest that SA and FA share some elements of vulnerability. Further studies are warranted to clarify the directions of these associations.

Exploration of socio-family and psychological characteristics of young males convicted of murder or attempted murder in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Introduction: Different developmental and environmental vulnerability conditions can influence violent behavior in young people.Objectives: To describe the characteristics of young males who were convicted of murder or attempted murder in the province of Buenos Aires, based on indicators of maturity, impulsivity, and socio-family vulnerability.Materials and Methods: Descriptive and exploratory study. The sample consisted of 195 young men (mean: 16.8 years) imprisoned in reformatory institutions of the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, as they were convicted of murder (n=130), repeated murder (n=15), or attempted murder (n=50). Self and hetero-informed instruments, and professional assessment scales were used, namely: the Consideration of Future Consequences Scale (CFC); the Psychosocial Maturity Inventory (PSM); the Weinberg Adjustment Inventory (WAI); the Resistance to Peer Influence Questionnaire (RPIQ); the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV); the Inventory of Callous Unemotional Traits (ICU), and the Barrat Impulsiveness Scale version 11 (BIS-11).Results: The distribution of the total BIS 11 and the PSM Individual Adaptation were normal (mean: 62.33 and 6.38, respectively). The mean of the total PCL:YV was 25.87. In 32.8% of the cases a first degree relative was also imprisoned. “Impulsive” and “Nonimpulsive” clusters were empirically established.Conclusions: The participants’ profile is characterized by several psychological and socio-family vulnerabilities that should be targeted in preventive interventions aimed at preventing violent recidivism.

Investigating the jumping to conclusion bias in bipolar disorder

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Hemsley and Garety described the “jumping to conclusions bias” in which patients with delusions may reach unreasonable results with insufficient information. In this study patients with bipolar disorder and healthy volunteers were compared in terms of jumping to conclusions bias using the beads in the jar task.Methods: 37 patients with DSM-5 diagnosis of bipolar disorder and 30 healthy controls were tested with the Beads Task (BT), Tower of London Test (ToL) and Barrat Impulsiveness Scale (BIS).Results: In the BT, the mean score of DtD (draws to decision) and JTC (jumping to conclusions) scores were not statistically different between the two groups. In the ToL test, the duration of the total execution and the total time were significantly longer in the bipolar group than the control group. BIS scores were significantly higher in the bipolar group. YMRS (Young Mania Rating Scale) scores were not correlated with BT.Conclusions: This study is the first clinical study to assess the jumping to conclusions bias in patients with bipolar disorder. No JTC bias was detected in bipolar disorder. Further studies may assess JTC in larger samples to determine the effects of clinical state changes, psychotic symptoms, medication and impulsivity.

Association of adverse childhood experiences with functional identity and impulsivity among adults: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: The present study explores the association of adverse childhood experiences with impulsivity and functional identity among Pakistani adults. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 260 Pakistani medical students aged 18 and above were approached. A consent form, a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, and an English versions of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) scale, Functions of Identity scale (FIS) and Barratt's Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) was employed in this study. All data were analyzed in SPSS v. 20. Results: A total of 122 (52.6%) of respondents had experienced at least one adverse childhood experience. Verbal, physical, sexual adverse events and poor support and affection from family were the most reported adverse events. ACE scores yielded a significantly positive association with cognitive stability, perseverance and motor impulsivity on the Barrat's impulsivity scale. Whereas, it yielded negative association with structure and harmony subscales of the functional identity as well as cognitive complexity subscale of the impulsivity scale. Conclusions: A high proportion of Pakistani medical students reported adverse childhood experiences, which lead to impulsive behaviors and poor functional identities.

BEHAVIOURAL BUT NOT COGNITIVE MEASURES OF DISINHIBITION CAN EFFECTIVELY DIFFERENTIATE FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA FROM ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

The differential diagnosis between behavioural-variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a challenge in clinical neuropsychology. Typically, bvFTD patients exhibit behavioural disorders characterized by early and marked disinhibition. Hence, tests tapping into inhibitory function and impulsivity, like intertemporal choice, may be valuable for the differential diagnosis between bvFTD and AD. Our sample comprised three groups of participants: 25 mild AD dementia patients (age 74.6 ± 9.7, 13 males), 27 mild bvFTD patients (age 67.8 ± 9.8, 14 males) – diagnosed according to standard criteria - and 24 healthy controls (age 70.8 ± 8.3, 18 females). The groups were matched for sex, education and income. All participants underwent a neuropsychological battery, comprising 10 cognitive tests, focusing on inhibitory capacity and/or impulsivity (e.g.: Go-no-go, Stroop, and Hayling tests) and two behavioural measures (Starkstein's Apathy Scale and Barrat Impulsivity Scale – BIS-11). We also employed a Delay Discounting Task (DDT). There was no difference between AD and bvFTD in any of the neuropsychological measures of inhibitory control, such as Hayling Test (bvFTD 18.2±13.2 vs. AD: 17.4±9.6, p=1.00) and the DDT (bvFTD 0.053±0.09 vs. AD: 0.058±0.07, p=1.00). On the other hand, there was a difference between clinical groups regarding behavioural measures (BIS-11: bvFTD 76.1+9.5 vs. AD 62.9+13.5, p=0.001; Apathy: bvFTD 28.1+7.8 vs. AD 16.9+9). In the BIS-11, AD and controls performed similarly. ROC curve analysis for the differential diagnosis between AD and bvFTD demonstrated that BIS-11 and Apathy Scale had higher diagnostic accuracies than inhibitory/impulsivity neuropsychological tests: 80% specificity and 68.2% sensitivity for BIS-11; and 77.8% specificity and 78.3% sensitivity for the Apathy Scale. Contrary to our expectations, neuropsychological tests of inhibitory control and impulsivity, such as Hayling and DDT, were not useful for the differential diagnosis between these disorders. Nonetheless, BIS-11 did demonstrate diagnostic ability to distinguish bvFTD and AD, reinforcing that behavioural impulsivity is a hallmark of the former condition. The dissociation between cognitive and behavioural measures may be considered for the development of new cognitive tests for the early diagnosis of bvFTD.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms and psychological comorbidity in eating disorder patients.

There is some evidence that eating disorders (ED) and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) share common clinical features and that ADHD might contribute to the severity of eating disorders. A greater understanding of how the presence of comorbid ADHD may affect the psychopathological framework of eating disorder seems of primary importance. The aim of our study was to evaluate rates of ADHD in three ED subgroups of inpatients: anorexia nervosa restricting type (AN-R), anorexia nervosa binge-eating/purging type (AN-BP) and bulimia nervosa (BN). The secondary aim was the evaluation of the associated psychological characteristics. The sample consisted of 73 females inpatients (mean age 28.07±7.30), all with longstanding histories of eating disorder (ED). The presence of a diagnosis of ADHD was evaluated in a clinical interview based on DSM-IV-TR criteria. The following psychometric instruments were used: the eating attitude test (EAT-40), the Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh (BITE), the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI-2), the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS), the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Scale (BADDS), the Hamilton scales for Anxiety (HAM-A) and Depression (HAM-D), and the Barrat Impulsivity Scale (BIS-10). Among the three ED subgroups, 13 patients reported comorbidity with ADHD; three in the AN-R subtype, nine in the AN-BP and one in the BN. The remaining 60 patients (n=34 AN-R; n=19 AN-BP; n=7 BN) presented only a diagnosis of ED. The EAT (p=0.04) and HAM-A (p=0.02) mean scores were significantly higher in patients with comorbid ADHD. In our study the comorbidity between ADHD and ED appeared to be frequent, particularly among patients with AN-BP. ED inpatients with higher level of anxiety and more abnormal eating attitudes and bulimic symptoms should be assessed for potentially associated ADHD.

Impulsivity and pathological gambling: An Italian study

IntroductionPathological gambling (PG) is a behavioral addictive disorder characterized by persistent and problematic gambling behaviors, in presence of impairment of self-regulation and impulsivity. Impulsivity is widely supported by literature in developing and maintaining addictive behaviors and PG.Aim(s)The aim of this study is to compare PG to impulsivity in a group of Italian outpatients, in order to further explore their appealing relation and to sensitize local public institutions about this problem that is of growing concern amongst our population.MethodsFifty outpatients were recruited at the psychiatric outpatient ward of the University of Pisa. All of them had a diagnosis of PG, assessed throughout the structured clinical interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5). The sample was compared with a similar group of healthy control subjects. South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) scale and Barrat Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11) questionnaires were used to assess respectively the severity of PG and impulsivity traits of personality.ResultsPG patients reported significantly higher total score in BIS-11 than control subjects. In particular, the “motor impulsivity” and “cognitive complexity” scores were significantly higher in PG patients, as well as “motor” and “non-planning” impulsivity subscale scores. A positive and significant correlation was found between BIS-11 and SOGS total scores.ConclusionsThese results corroborate the existence of the widely described association between impulsivity and PG. Also they support the notion that impulsivity may represent a core element of PG and, perhaps, to a typical personality trait, that may be particularly related to the development of addictive and impulsive behaviors.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Adult ADHD diagnosis and binge eating disorder

The association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and eating disorders has not been yet clarified. The presence of ADHD was significantly correlated with more severe binge eating, bulimic behaviors, and depressive symptomatology. The aim of this work is to study the relationship between ADHD subtypes in adults and the risk of food addiction (binge eating disorder).The sample was collected on a specific program for adults with ADHD diagnosis in Madrid (Spain). In total, the sample was 110 patients, and we collected information about socio-demographic factors. All patients met DSM-5 criteria for ADHD in different subtypes. We used the conner's Adult ADHD rating scales and the Barrat impulsiveness scale. Also we used the Shorter Promise Questionnaire. This is a 16 scale self-report instrument to measure an individual's level of addictive tendency.The 36.4% were at high risk of developing a food addiction. For binge eating disorder (BE), no statistically significant differences were found by gender within patients with ADHD.Binge eating was significantly related to the impulsivity and emotional liability subscale of the CAARS (P < 0.05). The risk of develop BE in ADHD was 4.7 (CI 95% 1.8–12.07). Binge eating was significantly related to the total score on the Barrat scale (P < 0.05) Risk of 3,5 (CI 95% 1.5–7.9) and within the subtypes of impulsivity, motor impulsiveness was the one that was significantly related to BE (P < 0.001)There is a clear relationship between impulsiveness symptoms and BE in patients with ADHD. It's important to note that there are no gender differences within ADHA patients to develop a BE disorder.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Copeptin levels and blood lipid profile in borderline patients with or without self-mutilation.

PurposeSelf-mutilation, known as self-harming behaviour of an individual without the intention of suicide, is commonly observed in individuals with borderline personality disorder. The objective of this study is to compare copeptin levels that are known to be related to aggressive behaviour and blood lipid profiles in borderline patients with and without self-mutilation.MethodsTwenty patients with self-mutilation [SM(+)] and 20 patients without self-mutilation [SM(−)] between the ages of 18 and 49, diagnosed with borderline personality disorder based on DSM-IV-TR(8) diagnostic criteria and attended to by Fırat University Psychiatry Polyclinic, participated in the study. Socio-demographic and clinical data form, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) and Barrat Impulsivity Scale (BIS) were applied to all participants. Copeptin levels and plasma lipid levels were studied in the blood samples taken from the participants.ResultsMean copeptin level found in SM(+) group (37.54 ± 18.8 ng/mL) was statistically significantly higher than SM(−) group (18.53 ± 16.6 ng/mL) (p = 0.002). A negative correlation was found between mean copeptin and mean total cholesterol levels (r = −0.436; p = 0.005), and between copeptin and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels (r = −0.403; p = 0.01) in both SM(+) and SM(−) patient groups. HAMA mean score for SM(+) group was found as 36.45 ± 13.2, and for SM(−) group, it was found as 35.7 ± 12.9. There was a statistically significant difference between the depression points achieved by the two groups (p = 0.046). BIS total points average for SM(+) group was determined as 71 ± 9.71, whereas it was determined as 66.8 ± 7.92 in SM(−) group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups based on anxiety points. Barrat planning, Barrat motor and Barrat attention points for SM(+) group were higher than the SM(−) group. However, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).ConclusionFindings of the study demonstrated that as cholesterol and LDL levels decreased, copeptin levels increased, and that could be related to the self-mutilation behaviour.

Survey of personality factors and impulsivity in active and non-active elderly men (2012 )

Introduction and purpose: Different personality factors and impulsivity can directly affect life style and behaviors of older people. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare impulsivity and personality factors in physically active elderly and sedentary individuals. Materials and methods: This comparative correlational study used random stratified sampling method to recruit 90 elderly living at Tabriz city in 2012. Data were collected using five personality factors questionnaire (NEO) and Barrat impulsivity Scale. We used independent sample t-tests, ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient to analyze data using SPSS software version 19. Actual data analysis was conducted among only 80 participants (40 active and 40 non-active elders) who completely answered questionnaires. Findings: Findings from the present study revealed a significant difference in openness personality (p=0.013) among active vs. sedentary elderly. There was a direct relationship between impulsivity and Neuroticism (r=0.393, p=0.02) while, there was a significant negative correlation between impulsivity and extraversion (r=-0.320, p=0.013), agreeableness (r=-0.598, p=0.001) and conscientiousness (r=-0/684, p=0.01). Besides, there was a positive significant association between impulsivity and lack of program elements (r=0.272, p=0.037), cognitive impulsivity (r=0.386, p=0.003). In contrast, series of negetaive significant correltion was reported between Neuroticism and extraversion (r=-0.317, p=0.014) agreeableness (r=-0.447, p=0.001) as well as conscientiousness (r=-0528, p=0.001). conclusion: There was no significant difference between subscales of impulsivity and personality factors (except openness) in active and inactive elderly men. However there was a relationship between impulsivity and some of personality factors which can be influenced by several factors, including physical activity.

Apathy and impulse control disorders association: A study in a sample of Parkinson's disease patients

IntroductionParkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is associated with a wide range of motor symptoms, cognitive deficits and behavioral disorders. Apathy and impulse control disorders (ICDs) are common in these patients and have been considered opposite ends of a reward and motivation disorders continuum.AimTo evaluate the association and impact of ICDs presence on apathy symptoms in PDs patients, considering the influence of other psychopathological symptoms on this association.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional, observational study in which 115 consecutive medicated PD patients without dementia (mean age 61.22 ± 13.5 years; 63.5% men) were recruited. All the patients underwent a psychiatric and neurologic evaluation. Motor dysfunction was assessed with the Unified Parkinson's disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), ICDs were evaluated with the Minnesota Impulse Control Disorders Inventory (MIDI) and apathy with the Lille Apathy Scale (LARS). The Hamilton Depression scale (HAM-D). The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) and Barrat Impulsivity Scale (BIS) were also administrated.ResultsTwenty-seven (23.5%) patients showed an ICD. Patients with an ICD scored higher in apathy (P = 0.012), trait anxiety (P = 0.003) and impulsivity (P = 0.008). There were no differences in depressive symptoms. In the linear regression analysis, TCI was associated with more severe apathy (b = 4.20, t = 2.15, P = 0.034).ConclusionsICDs and apathy are frequent in PD. Although ICDs have been related with a hyperdopaminergic state and apathy with low dopamine levels, the observed frequent association suggests common etiopathological mechanisms.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Sensory attenuation and Parkinson's disease: a new pathophysiological framework of bradykinesia

s / Parkinsonism and Related Disorders 22 (2016) e7ee10 e9 Objectives: Cognitive action control allows suppressing automatic activation and producing a controlled response when conflicts arise. This process is modulated by the basal ganglia and recent studies have shown that it was impaired in Parkinson's disease (PD). This study gives insights regarding the effect of PD on cognitive action and more precisely on impulsive responses. Methods: 40 patients with PD with no cognitive impairment and 40 healthy controls (HC) underwent an oculomotor Simon task in which they were required tomake a leftward or rightward eyemovement according to the color of a target and to ignore its location. The two dimensions of the stimuli created congruent (color and location activating the same response) and incongruent (color and location activating conflicting responses) trials. Results were analyzed using distributional analysis according to the activation-suppression model. Results: PD patients had a greater congruence effect on both reaction time and accuracy rate demonstrating a greater difficulty to resolve conflicts. Distributional analysis revealed that PD patients made more fast errors than HC. The rate of impulsive errors was further correlated to the Barrat Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) scores. When they responded slower, PD patients were also impaired compared to HC. Conclusions: Our results show that both the automatic and controlled routes involved in the cognitive action control are affected in PD. Furthermore, impulsive response tendencies in PD measured by a conflict task seems related to behavioral impulsivity. Therefore, conflict tasks could be used to further study impulsivity in PD and its ability to detect early troubles should be investigated. OP 1.30.20. SENSORY ATTENUATION AND PARKINSON'S DISEASE: A NEW PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK OF BRADYKINESIA Antonella Macerollo, Jui-Cheng Chen, Prasad Korlipara, Thomas Foltynie, John Rothwell, Mark Edwards, James Kilner. UCL, London,

Effects of Parkinson's disease on cognitive action control: Insights on impulsive response tendencies using an oculomotor Simon task

Objectives: Cognitive action control allows suppressing automatic activation and producing a controlled response when conflicts arise. This process is modulated by the basal ganglia and recent studies have shown that it was impaired in Parkinson's disease (PD). This study gives insights regarding the effect of PD on cognitive action and more precisely on impulsive responses. Methods: 40 patients with PD with no cognitive impairment and 40 healthy controls (HC) underwent an oculomotor Simon task in which they were required to make a leftward or rightward eye movement according to the color of a target and to ignore its location. The two dimensions of the stimuli created congruent (color and location activating the same response) and incongruent (color and location activating conflicting responses) trials. Results were analyzed using distributional analysis according to the activation-suppression model. Results: PD patients had a greater congruence effect on both reaction time and accuracy rate demonstrating a greater difficulty to resolve conflicts. Distributional analysis revealed that PD patients made more fast errors than HC. The rate of impulsive errors was further correlated to the Barrat Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) scores. When they responded slower, PD patients were also impaired compared to HC. Conclusions: Our results show that both the automatic and controlled routes involved in the cognitive action control are affected in PD. Furthermore, impulsive response tendencies in PD measured by a conflict task seems related to behavioral impulsivity. Therefore, conflict tasks could be used to further study impulsivity in PD and its ability to detect early troubles should be investigated

Diagnostic validity of behavioural and psychometric impulsivity measures: An assessment in adolescent and adult populations

This investigation examined how different psychological and behavioural measures can be used to identify impulsive individuals. Five clinical groups split, between adolescents and adults, with varying levels of weight-management issues, were used to validate the impulsivity measures. The measures consisted of two behavioural, an inhibitory control measure (Stop Signal Task) and a Temporal Discounting measure, along with two personality measures, the Temperament and Character Inventory (Cloninger, Przybeck, Svrakic, & Wetzel, 1994) and the adolescent version (The Junior Temperament and Character Inventory) and finally the Barrat Impulsivity Scale (Patton, Stanford, & Barratt, 1995). The most sensitive was the Stop Signal Reaction time, which depicted significant differences in inhibitory control for all but two groups (Adult Lifestyle and Adult Healthy). The psychometric scales were able to sufficiently discriminate between obese and impulsive individuals with healthier participants. The Self-Control and Novelty Seeking subscales on the BIS. The Novelty Seeking subscale of the TCI-R and the JTCI, significantly discriminated between obese and healthy individuals. There was a high degree of association amongst the measures used, identifying that these measures can be used to monitor and measure impulsiveness in obese individuals for use in weight-loss interventions.

Adherence to medication is associated with non-planning impulsivity in euthymic bipolar disorder patients

BackgroundAdherence to medication is a major issue in bipolar disorder. Non-planning impulsivity, defined as a lack of future orientation, has been demonstrated to be the main impulsivity domain altered during euthymia in bipolar disorder patients. It was associated with comorbidities. MethodsTo investigate relationship between adherence to medication and non-planning impulsivity, we included 260 euthymic bipolar patients. Adherence to medication was evaluated by Medication Adherence Rating Scale and non-planning impulsivity by Barrat Impulsiveness Scale. Univariate analyses and linear regression were used. We conducted also a path analysis to examine whether non-planning impulsivity had direct or indirect effect on adherence, mediated by comorbidities. ResultsAdherence to medication was correlated with non-planning impulsivity, even after controlling for potential confounding factors in linear regression analysis (Beta standardized coefficient=0.156; p=0.015). Path analysis demonstrated only a direct effect of non-planning impulsivity on adherence to medication, and none indirect effect via substance use disorders and anxiety disorders. LimitationsOur study is limited by its cross-sectional design and adherence to medication was assessed only by self-questionnaire. ConclusionsHigher non-planning impulsivity is associated with low medication adherence, without an indirect effect via comorbidities.

Mindfulness and Impulsivity in Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Diabetes is a highly prevalent disease worldwide, characterized by increased blood sugar levels. Growing evidences revealed the strong association of diabetes and psychological disorders like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, etc. Mindfulness is the awareness which arises out of intentionally attending in an open and discerning way to whatever is arising in the present moment, is positively associated with healthy condition. Impulsivity is a predisposition toward rapid, unplanned reactions to internal or external stimuli without regard to the negative consequences of these reactions to the impulsive individual or to others which is negatively associated with the individual’s health. Aim: This study was intended to see the association of mindfulness, impulsivity with diabetes. Method and material: Two hundred subjects (100= diabetic and 100=non diabetic) from local communities were enrolled in this study. All the subjects were administered Mindfulness, attention and awareness scale (MAAS) and Barrat impulsivity scale. The results: There was a significant low MAAS score and significantly higher Barrat impulsivity scores in the diabetic group than in a non diabetic group. Conclusion: Diabetic people have more impulsivity and less mindfulness state than non diabetic people.

Sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction in chronic hepatitis C patients.

The prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) and dissatisfaction with sexual life (DSL) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection (CHC) was jointly investigated via a thorough psychopathological analysis, which included dimensions such as fatigue, impulsiveness, psychiatric comorbidity, health-related quality of life (HRQL) and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Male and female CHC patients from an outpatient referral center were assessed using the Brief Fatigue Inventory, the Barrat Impulsiveness Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF). Structured psychiatric interviews were performed according to the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. SD was assessed based on specific items in the BDI (item 21) and the HAM-A (item 12). DSL was assessed based on a specific question in the WHOQOL-BREF (item 21). Multivariate analysis was performed according to an ordinal linear regression model in which SD and DSL were considered as outcome variables. SD was reported by 60 (57.1%) of the patients according to the results of the BDI and by 54 (51.4%) of the patients according to the results of the HAM-A. SD was associated with older age, female gender, viral genotype 2 or 3, interferon-α use, impulsiveness, depressive symptoms, antidepressant and benzodiazepine use, and lower HRQL. DSL was reported by 34 (32.4%) of the patients and was associated with depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, antidepressant use, and lower HRQL. The prevalence of SD and DSL in CHC patients was high and was associated with factors, such as depressive symptoms and antidepressant use. Screening and managing these conditions represent significant steps toward improving medical assistance and the HRQL of CHC patients.

Relationship between trait impulsivity and cortical volume, thickness and surface area in male cocaine users and non-drug using controls

BackgroundTrait impulsivity is commonly associated with cocaine dependence. The few studies that have investigated the relation between trait impulsivity and cortical morphometry, have shown a distinct relation between impulsivity and cortical volume (CV) of temporal, frontal and insula cortex. As CV is the function of cortical surface area (SA) and cortical thickness (CT) impulsivity may be differently associated to SA than to CT. MethodFifty-three cocaine users (CU) and thirty-five controls (HC) (males aged 18–55 years) completed the Barrat impulsiveness scale and a structural scan was made on a 3T MRI scanner. CV, SA and CT were measured using Freesurfer. Multivariate analysis was used to test for group differences and group by impulsivity interaction effects in CV, SA and ST across nine regions of interest in the temporal, frontal and insular cortices. Possible confounding effects of drug- and alcohol exposure were explored. ResultsCompared to HC, CU had a smaller SA of the superior temporal cortex but a larger SA of the insula. There were divergent relations between trait impulsivity and SA of the superior temporal cortex and insula (positive in HC, negative in CU) and CT of the anterior cingulate cortex (negative in HC, positive in CU). Within CU, there was a negative association between monthly cocaine use and CT of the insula and superior temporal cortex. DiscussionThe distinct relation between trait impulsivity and cortical morphometry in CU and HC might underlie inefficient control over behavior resulting in maladaptive impulsive behaviour such as cocaine abuse.

Effectiveness of group dialectical behavior therapy (based on core distress tolerance and emotion regulation components) one expulsive anger and impulsive behaviors.

Introduction:The purpose of this study is to measure Effectiveness of group dialectical behavior therapy (basedon core distress tolerance and emotion regulation components) on Expulsive Anger and Impulsive Behaviors.Materials & Methods:Research method is a semi experimental socio-statistic approach consisting of experimental group (dialectical behavior therapy) and control group. Participants were patients referred to Amir Kabir Hospital in Arak who suffered from Expulsive Anger and Impulsive Behaviors. Based on stratified random sampling, 16 patients (women) were placed in each group. Research tools included the structured diagnosis interview according to DSM-IV-TR (2000), Barrat impulsivity scale (1994) Distress Tolerance Scale (2005) Difficulties of Emotion Regulation Scale (2004) and dialectical behavior therapy were done for two months,8 group-sessions).Findings:Dialectical behavior therapy was effective on Expulsive Anger and Impulsive Behaviors.Discussion & Conclusion:Distress tolerance and emotion regulation components were effective on Expulsive Anger and Impulsive Behaviors.

Children's and Adolescents' Mental Health in Residential Youth Care Settings

Children's and Adolescents' Mental Health in Residential Youth Care Settings Young people in residential youth care show a higher prevalence of mental problems than other children. This study gives an overview about the current situation of children and young people in the residential youth welfare service in Rostock (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany). In 2008 a similar study for the rural district Bad Doberan (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany) was conducted by Engel, Pätow, and Häßler (2009). This research was carried out with two measuring times over a period of eight months starting 2010. 48 young people and their keyworker as well as teachers answered Achenbach's self- and third-party-assessment forms for mental problems. Furthermore the Barrat-Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and the Youth-Psychopathic Inventory were used to get information about traits of Psychopathy. The result showed that 51 % of the young people rated themselves as clinical relevant. Female probands reached higher scores than the male. The third-party assessment displayed 45 % in clinical scores. These scores, presented by a dimensional assessment, confirm the higher prevalence of mental problems in residential youthcare settings. A long term improvement of the life situation of psychological stressed children and adolescents, who are living in residential care homes, can only be achieved by an intensive cooperation of all the involved institutions and professions. The basis for this is the realisation of this necessity as well as the deduction and implementation of appropriate curricula, which imparts the required abilities needed for the conversion in the respective professions.