Impulsivity, aggressivity and mood disorders: a narrative review

Aggressiveness and Impulsivity represent clinically significant elements in the context of coexisting mental disorders and have been extensively studied in the context of mood disorders. Considering their significant impact on prognostic trajectories, accruing evidence suggests the need to consider these elements in the development of specific treatment strategies tailored to the specific requirements at the individual patient level and in the specific context where care is delivered. In the present narrative review, we propose to the reader a selection of study articles deemed relevant to the discussion of this complex subject, with a critical analysis of the available evidence regarding empiric evidence for the association of aggressiveness and impulsivity with a focus on bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. A brief overview of reports deemed relevant to the discussion for some of the possible biological basis for this phenomena is also outlined, offering a selection of studies based on the study authors' judgement.