Impulsivity is a broad psychological construct, encompassing several functions characterized by a high propensity to choose immediate rewards and poor inhibitory control, even despite knowledge of adverse consequences. Recent evidence shows that these varieties of impulsivity play a critical role in the formation of maladaptive, compulsive habits. Based on this conceptual framework, the DSM-5 has reclassified pathological gambling from the category of impulse control disorders to that of “behavioral addictions.” This nosographic shift was fueled by emerging evidence indicating that problem gambling and substance use disorders share critical neurobiological substrates, including the dysregulation of dopamine signaling in the mesocorticolimbic system. In further support of this idea, preclinical and clinical findings indicate that impulsive choice and impulsive action are critical factors in drug use and vulnerability to relapse, suggesting that impulse control deficits may be fundamental in shaping the risk and trajectory of addiction. Complementary to this idea, recent data suggest that other impulse-control disorders, such as kleptomania, pathological shopping, hypersexual disorder, and intermittent explosive disorder, may be also framed as behavioral addictions.
Building on this background, this Research Topic of Frontiers will focus on theoretical and experimental work (in both animal models and humans) on the biological and psychological mechanisms of impulsivity and behavioral addictions. Specialists in the field are encouraged to contribute research and review articles promoting discussion on all areas related but not limited to the biological basis and phenomenology of:
• all different facets and constructs of impulsivity (including delay and probability discounting) and risk-taking;
• the relationship between impulsivity and the formation of maladaptive habits, as well as craving and withdrawal;
• the overlaps and distinctions between impulsive and compulsive behaviors, also in the context of addiction;
• emerging diagnostic entities in the behavioral addiction category, including compulsive internet use and exercise addiction.
Impulsivity is a broad psychological construct, encompassing several functions characterized by a high propensity to choose immediate rewards and poor inhibitory control, even despite knowledge of adverse consequences. Recent evidence shows that these varieties of impulsivity play a critical role in the formation of maladaptive, compulsive habits. Based on this conceptual framework, the DSM-5 has reclassified pathological gambling from the category of impulse control disorders to that of “behavioral addictions.” This nosographic shift was fueled by emerging evidence indicating that problem gambling and substance use disorders share critical neurobiological substrates, including the dysregulation of dopamine signaling in the mesocorticolimbic system. In further support of this idea, preclinical and clinical findings indicate that impulsive choice and impulsive action are critical factors in drug use and vulnerability to relapse, suggesting that impulse control deficits may be fundamental in shaping the risk and trajectory of addiction. Complementary to this idea, recent data suggest that other impulse-control disorders, such as kleptomania, pathological shopping, hypersexual disorder, and intermittent explosive disorder, may be also framed as behavioral addictions.
Building on this background, this Research Topic of Frontiers will focus on theoretical and experimental work (in both animal models and humans) on the biological and psychological mechanisms of impulsivity and behavioral addictions. Specialists in the field are encouraged to contribute research and review articles promoting discussion on all areas related but not limited to the biological basis and phenomenology of:
• all different facets and constructs of impulsivity (including delay and probability discounting) and risk-taking;
• the relationship between impulsivity and the formation of maladaptive habits, as well as craving and withdrawal;
• the overlaps and distinctions between impulsive and compulsive behaviors, also in the context of addiction;
• emerging diagnostic entities in the behavioral addiction category, including compulsive internet use and exercise addiction.
