A psychopathological and neuropsychological approach to impulsivity

Abstract

In spite of its relevance for the interpretation of many psychopathological and neuropsychological disorders, the concept of impulsivity is still poorly defined. Recently, several authors have conceptualised impulsivity as a multi-dimensional construct involving different psychological and brain mechanisms. The aim of this paper is to show how a multi-component approach to impulsivity and its underlying motivational and cognitive mechanisms may contribute to our understanding of various psychopathological states and neuropsychological impairments.