Impulsivity and clinical outcome in major psychiatric illnesses: A prospective analytical study

Abstract

Background: Impulsivity, due to high comorbidities, is considered as one of the residual symptoms in patients with psychiatric illnesses. There is dearth of literature with respect to the effect of available treatment options on impulsivity and clinical outcome in major psychiatric disorders. Hence, our study aims to observe the change in impulsivity from baseline after 10 days of treatment and clinical outcome in patients with major psychiatric disorders [Schizophrenia, Bipolar Affective disorder (BPAD) and Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ADS)]. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective analytical, non-randomized, quantitative open label study wherein total of 112 patients diagnosed with either of the three major psychiatric illness i.e., schizophrenia or BPAD or ADS were recruited into the study. BIS-11 was used to assess impulsivity at baseline and 10 days post admission. Clinical outcome was assessed using CGI scale. Data was analyzed using one-was ANOVA, paired t test and Post hoc analysis.Results: The difference between baseline mean scores and post treatment mean scores on all the subscales of BIS-11 was found to be statistically significant (p value