EPV216 - Impulsivity and Sensation Seeking in Bipolar Disorder: Association with Impulse Control Disorders

EPV216

Impulsivity and Sensation Seeking in Bipolar Disorder: Association with Impulse Control Disorders

F. Sahnoun ^1,*, S. Ellouze ¹, Y. Kammoun ¹, S. Frikha ¹, N. Halouani ¹, M. Turki ¹, J. Aloulou ¹

¹Psychiatry “B” Department , Hédi Chaker University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia

 

Introduction: Bipolar disorder is often characterized by heightened impulsivity and sensation seeking, which may reflect a latent vulnerability to, or the coexistence of, Impulse Control Disorders (ICDs). Identifying the role of these traits may improve early detection and management of ICDs in this population.

Objectives: To examine the relationship between impulsivity, sensation seeking, and ICDs among bipolar patients.

Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study included patients with bipolar disorder, during euthymia phase and receiving psychiatric follow-up in the Psychiatry “B” Department of Hédi Chaker University Hospital of Sfax, Tunisia.

Bipolar patients were assessed using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale in its arabic dialect version (BIS-11) and the Sensation Seeking Scale of Zuckerman (SSS). ICDs were identified using the modified Minnesota Impulsive Disorders Interview (mMIDI).

Results: A total of 72 patients with bipolar disorder participated in our study. Their mean age was 44.13 years, and the sex ratio (F/H) was 1.88. The mean duration of illness was 17.04 years. Most patients (83.3%) had bipolar I disorder. Overall, 33.3% of participants presented at least one impulse control disorder (ICD).

The mean BIS-11 score among patients was 57.07±11,18, and a marked level of impulsivity was observed in 12.5% of cases. The mean Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS) score was 9.68 ± 5.79.

Impulse control disorders were significantly associated with the total BIS-11 score (p < 0.001), the total SSS score (p = 0.004), as well as with the SSS subscales of thrill and adventure seeking (p = 0.046), disinhibition (p = 0.022), and boredom susceptibility (p = 0.028).

Conclusions: The strong association between impulsivity, sensation seeking, and ICDs in bipolar disorder suggests that these personality dimensions play a central role in the expression of impulsive behaviors. Integrating psychological assessment and specific psychotherapeutic strategies could enhance the overall management of bipolar patients.

 

Disclosure of Interest: None Declared