Study of the impulsivity in bipolar parent

Introduction Impulsivity, as defined by Barratt in 1983, is the inability to associate a behavior to context or consequences. It refers to a variety of risky behaviors, inappropriate to the situation and can lead to undesirable consequences. It is well-established that impulsivity is strongly related to bipolar disorder. Currently, we speak of impulsivity trait present even in bipolar patients in euthymia given the hereditary nature of bipolar disorder. In this study, we are interested in assessing impulsiveness in healthy relatives of bipolar patients. Methodology Impulsivity was measured using BARRAT scale [the Barratt impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11)] in 30 healthy subjects who are first degree relatives of bipolar patients treated in Razi hospital; and comparing the results to 30 subjects, witnesses matched for age and sex with no personal or family history of psychiatric disorders. Results The impulsivity score among parents of bipolar patients was significantly higher compared to controls especially for motor impulsivity with average scores 19.15 versus 16.94, respectively. The general impulsivity score among parents of bipolar patients was 61.53±13.83 versus an average score in controls of 47.20±18.26. Limits The small sample size did not allow conclusive results. The difficulties in determining the mental history of the control group (to check the absence of a family history of bipolar disorder).