Impulsivity in panic disorder: neuropsychological correlates.

BACKGROUND Impulsivity plays a prominent role in numerous psychopathological states and poses an important clinical dilemma. However, different aspects of impulsivity are related to mood disorders, addictions, personality disorders, eating disorders, the relationship between anxiety and impulsivity is controversial and not well explored. The impact of anxiety on cognitive functioning is less explored than in other disorders (e.g. depression). The findings on cognitive functioning and impulsivity in anxiety disorders are inconsistent and are most likely due to methodological differences between the studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eleven patients diagnosed with panic disorder (DSM-IV-TR) and nine healthy volunteers were enrolled to the study. Both groups did not differ significantly in terms of age, gender and educational level. The experimental group comprised of psychotropic drug naïve patients. The severity of PD was measured with Panic and Agoraphobia Scale. Impulsiveness was evaluated with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale - 11th version (BIS-11). To asses cognitive functions CANTAB (Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery) was used and Paired Associate Learning (PAL) test was chosen for episodic memory evaluation. RESULTS Mean BIS-11 scores observed in the group of psychotropic drug naïve patients with panic disorder were 71.36 (SD 7.31). Mean BIS-scores recorded in the control group were 60.77 (SD 9.57). The correlation between impulsivity and PAL results in the experimental group was found at the level r=0.708723; p<0.05. The respective value for the controls was r=0.200839; p<0.05. CONCLUSIONS Impulsivity in the experimental group was higher than adjusted average for the control group. Our findings indicate also the correlation between impulsivity and cognitive deficits in panic disorder in psychotropic drug naïve patients.