Are executive function and impulsivity antipodes? A conceptual reconstruction with special reference to addiction

• Published in: Psychopharmacologia Vol. 221; no. 3; pp. 361 - 387
• Main Authors: Bickel, Warren K., Jarmolowicz, David P., Mueller, E. Terry, Gatchalian, Kirstin M., McClure, Samuel M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.06.2012; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Addiction; Addictions; Addictive behaviors; Adult and adolescent clinical studies; Biological and medical sciences; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedical Research - methods; Biomedicine; Drug abuse; Drug addiction; Executive Function; Humans; impulsive behavior; Impulsive Behavior - psychology; Medical sciences; Neurosciences; Pharmacology/Toxicology; Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Psychopharmacology; Review; Substance-Related Disorders - physiopathology; New York; Compulsivity; Drug abuse; Executive function; Impulsivity; Substance abuse; Addiction; Drug addiction; Compulsion
• ISSN: 0033-3158; 1432-2072
• DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2689-x

Rationale Although there is considerable interest in how either executive function (EF) or impulsivity relate to addiction, there is little apparent overlap between these research areas. Objectives The present paper aims to determine if components of these two constructs are conceptual antipodes—widely separated on a shared continuum. Methods EFs and impulsivities were compared and contrasted. Specifically, the definitions of the components of EF and impulsivity, the methods used to measure the various components, the populations of drug users that show deficits in these components, and the neural substrates of these components were compared and contrasted. Results Each component of impulsivity had an antipode in EF. EF, however, covered a wider range of phenomena, including compulsivity. Conclusions Impulsivity functions as an antipode of certain components of EF. Recognition of the relationship between EF and impulsivity may inform the scientific inquiry of behavioral problems such as addiction. Other theoretical implications are discussed.