Measurement of inter-episode impulsivity in bipolar disorder

We carried out a preliminary investigation of impulsivity in patients with bipolar I disorder not meeting criteria for active episodes. Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) scores were significantly higher in bipolar disorder than in control subjects. Laboratory measurements of impulsivity correlated with a BIS-11 score or severity of manic symptoms. Impulsivity in bipolar disorder may have both stable and state-dependent aspects. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.