Citation

Vassileva J, Conrod PJ. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B Biol. Sci. 2019; 374(1766): e20180137.

Affiliation

Centre de Recherche, CHU Ste Justine , Montreal , Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Royal Society of London)

DOI

10.1098/rstb.2018.0137

PMID

30966920

Abstract

Impulse control is becoming a critical survival skill for the twenty-first century. Impulsivity is implicated in virtually all externalizing behaviours and disorders, and figures prominently in the aetiology and long-term sequelae of substance use disorders (SUDs). Despite its robust clinical and predictive validity, the study of impulsivity is complicated by its multidimensional nature, characterized by a variety of trait-like personality dimensions, as well as by more state-dependent neurocognitive dimensions, with variable convergence across measures. This review provides a hierarchical framework for linking self-report and neurocognitive measures to latent constructs of impulsivity and, in turn, to different psychopathology vulnerabilities, including substance-specific addictions and comorbidities. Impulsivity dimensions are presented as novel behavioural targets for prevention and intervention. Novel treatment approaches addressing domains of impulsivity are reviewed and recommendations for future directions in research and clinical interventions for SUDs are offered. This article is part of the theme issue 'Risk taking and impulsive behaviour: fundamental discoveries, theoretical perspectives and clinical implications'.

Language: en

Keywords

addiction; impulsivity; personality; substance use disorders; treatment and prevention