Impulsive responses to positive mood and reward are related to mania risk

Abstract

Bipolar disorder is characterised by impulsivity, and recent research suggests it is important to consider more specific forms of impulsivity. In two student samples, we examined associations of self-reported impulsivity with mania risk (Hypomanic Personality Scale, HPS). We hypothesised that mania risk would relate to impulsivity in the context of opportunities for rewarding activities (delaying gratification inventory, DGI), reward pursuit (Fun-Seeking subscale of the behavioural activation scale, BAS), and when experiencing positive affect (positive urgency measure, PUM). In Study 1 (N=823), the HPS was uniquely related to fun-seeking and PUM scores. Study 2 (N=482) replicated the correlation of HPS scores with PUM while documenting positive associations between PUM and trait-like responses to positive affect. Findings across both studies stress the importance of considering the role of positive emotion in driving the impulsivity among persons at risk for mania. These findings have implications for refining our understanding of the aetiology of bipolar disorder and for treatment development.