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Brain circuitry of compulsivity and impulsivity

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 May 2013

Jon E. Grant  and
Suck Won Kim
Jon E. Grant*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Suck Won Kim
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
*
*Address for correspondence: Jon E. Grant, JD, MD, MPH, Professor, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 3077, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. (Email [email protected])
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Abstract

Impulsivity and compulsivity have been considered opposite poles of a continuous spectrum, but their relationship appears to be more complex. Disorders characterized by impulsivity often have features of compulsivity and vice versa. The overlaps of the constructs of compulsivity and impulsivity warrant additional investigation, not only to identify the similarities and differences, but also to examine the implications for prevention and treatment strategies of both compulsive and impulsive behaviors.

Keywords

Cognitioncompulsivityimpulsivityneurobiologyneuroimaging
Type
Review Articles
Information
CNS Spectrums , Volume 19 , Issue 1 , February 2014 , pp. 21 - 27
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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Footnotes

This work was supported by a Center of Excellence in Gambling Research grant from the National Center for Responsible Gaming to Dr. Grant.

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