Trans-diagnostic measurement of impulsivity and compulsivity: A review of self-report tools

Roxanne W Hook; Jon E Grant; Konstantinos Ioannidis; Jeggan Tiego; Murat Yücel; Paul Wilkinson; Samuel R Chamberlain

doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.10.007

Trans-diagnostic measurement of impulsivity and compulsivity: A review of self-report tools

Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021 Jan:120:455-469. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.10.007. Epub 2020 Oct 25.

Authors

Roxanne W Hook¹, Jon E Grant², Konstantinos Ioannidis³, Jeggan Tiego⁴, Murat Yücel⁵, Paul Wilkinson⁶, Samuel R Chamberlain⁶

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0SZ, United Kingdom. Electronic address: rwh29@medschl.cam.ac.uk.
² Department of Psychiatry, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, USA.
³ Cambridge and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust and Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK.
⁴ Neural Systems and Behaviour Lab, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Australia.
⁵ BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Australia.
⁶ Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0SZ, United Kingdom; Cambridge and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust and Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK.

Abstract

Introduction: Impulsivity and compulsivity are important constructs, relevant to understanding behaviour in the general population, as well as in particular mental disorders (e.g. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder). The current paper provides a narrative review of self-report impulsivity and compulsivity scales.

Methods: A literature search was conducted using the following terms: ("impulsivity" OR "compulsivity") AND ("self-report" OR "questionnaire" OR "psychometric" OR "scale").

Results: 25 impulsive and 11 compulsive scales were identified, which varied considerably in psychometric properties, convenience, and validity. For impulsivity, the most commonly used scales were the BIS and the UPPS-P, whilst for compulsivity, the Padua Inventory was commonly used. The majority of compulsivity scales measured OCD symptoms (obsessions and compulsions) rather than being trans-diagnostic or specific to compulsivity (as opposed to obsessions). Scales capable of overcoming these limitations were highlighted.

Discussion: This review provides clarity regarding relative advantages and disadvantages of different scales relevant to the measurement of impulsivity and compulsivity in many contexts. Areas for further research and refinement are highlighted.

Keywords: Compulsivity; Impulsivity; Phenotype; Questionnaire; Review; Self-report; Trans-diagnostic; Transdiagnostic.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Compulsive Behavior / diagnosis
Humans
Impulsive Behavior*
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder* / diagnosis
Psychometrics
Self Report

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding