Impulsivity is recognized as a predisposing factor for addictive and suicidal behavior in bipolar patients. We aim to study the impact of childhood traumatic experiences on the development of impulsive behavior in patients with bipolar disorder and the particularties of these patients

Case-control study during a period of six months. Euthymic patients with bipolar disorder were enrolled. The two groups were compared by the scores of the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS-10) and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ).

The total impulsivity scores of motor and cognitive impulsivity in subjects with bipolar disorder were higher than in control subjects (with respectively p=0,001 ; p=0,005 ; p=0,002). There was a statistically significant difference between bipolar patients and controls regarding the CTQ total (p<10-3) and sub-scores for emotional abuse (p<10-3), physical neglect (p=0,01) and physical abuse (p=0,001) which were higher among patients. There was a correlation between the average total CTQ score and the average total score of impulsivity in the BIS-10 in patients with bipolar disorder (p=0,04). Impulsivity was associated with a childhood full of traumatic events, particularly in bipolar patients.

It is interesting to routinely use impulsivity scales (especially the BIS) and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire as indicators of high risk of addictive behavior in bipolar patients. This is paramount in order to develop appropriate therapeutic measures for this group of patients, often responding poorly to standard care.