Impulsivity and Compulsivity

Traditionally, impulsive and compulsive behaviors have been categorized as fundamentally distinct. However, patients often exhibit both of these behaviors. This common comorbidity has sparked renewed interest in the factors contributing to the disorders in which these behaviors are prominent. Impulsivity and Compulsivity applies a provocative spectrum model to this psychopathology. The spectrum model is consistent with a dimensional model for psychopathology and considers the dynamic interaction of biopsychosocial forces in the development of impulsive and compulsive disorders.

In this important work on impulsive/compulsive psychopathology, leading researchers and clinicians share their expertise on the phenomenological, biological, psychodynamic, and treatment aspects of these disorders. Differential diagnosis, comorbidity of the impulsive-compulsive spectrum of disorders, and assessment by the seven-factor model of temperament and character are discussed. Chapters are also dedicated to the antianxiety function of impulsivity and compulsivity, defense mechanisms in impulsive disorders versus obsessive-compulsive disorders, and the unique aspects of psychotherapy with impulsive and compulsive patients.

Clinical researchers and clinicians will be enlightened by this exceptional work. The information provided is supplemented with clinical vignettes, and the final chapter provides a synthetic summary that offers a unified, dynamic approach to impulsive and compulsive behavior.

John M. Oldham, M.D. is Director of the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Chief Medical Officer of the New York State Office of Mental Health. He is also Professor and Associate Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Training and Supervising Psychoanalyst at Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research.

Eric Hollander, M.D., is Professor of Psychiatry, Director of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Clinical Director of the Seaver Autism Research Center, and Director of the Compulsive, Impulsive and Anxiety Disorders Program at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York. Dr. Hollander was previously Director of the OCD Biological Studies Program at Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute.

Andrew E. Skodol, M.D., is Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Director of the Unit for Personality Studies at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. He is currently president of the Association for Research on Personality Disorders and Chairman of the New Research Subcommittee of the APA Scientific Program Committee.