Is affective lability related to aggression and impulsivity in bipolar disorder?

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between affective lability, aggression and impulsivi-ty among bipolar I disorder diagnosed patient in euthymic stage. Method: We included 167 patients applying to the outpatient clinic with the diagnosis of bipolar I disorder. After obtaining informed consent, the subjects were clinically interviewed by SCID I to be sure for diagnoses. On the next step, Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) were applied to the subjects to exclude patient who is not in euthymic stage. Sociodemographic data form was filled with additional support from family interviews and previous medical records. Then, Affective Lability Scale (ALS), Barratt Impulsivity Scale-11 (BIS-11), Buss - Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) were administered to the patient. Results: There was statistically mild-strong significant correlation in various degrees between all subscales of ALS and all subscales of BIS-11 and BPAQ, whereas total scores were correlated in highly significance level (p<0.001 and r:0.65/r:062 and r:0.71). The most significant subscale of AVS to correlate with remaining scales and subscales was anger. Discussion: There is a significant relation between AL, impulsivity and aggression in bipolar disorder. Investigating this relationship between these three dimensions, which may have an important role in the pathogenesis of BD, may be important in understanding the nature of the disease and guiding for new treatment options.