S12: Impulsivity in geriatric, neurological and psychiatric pathologies. Importance of its diagnosis and prevention

Abstract

Introduction: Impulsivity is a common feature of human behavior, often described in psychopathology, but evanescent and lacking a strict, clear and singular definition. The question is, can a person control his or her actions? The turning point for our interest is impulse control in the elderly. Falls, accidents, transgressions against the law and an altered family life may be the consequences of the impulsive spectrum without ignoring consequences such as pathological gambling, traffic accident, lethal fracture and even suicide. Certain neurological, psychiatric, and geriatric pathologies present with Impulsivity with impulsivity generally undetected. It is often mistaken for a character trait of old age, leading to stigmatization and“ageism’’.

Objectives: To highlight the importance of the clinical presentation of Impulsivity in older adults for its early diagnosis and therapy.

Methods: PUBMED literature review. Presentation of clinical cases in an interdisciplinary sharing Presentation of clinical cases in an interdisciplinary sharing.

Results: Early diagnosis of Impulsivity and its treatment offers a better quality of life to the patient and his family. Impulsivity is a symptom that involves several diseases, which is why its early diagnosis and adequate therapy allows a better quality of life for the elderly and the environment, since it may be a risk factor for early institutionalization.

Conclusions: It is a subject that is not often addressed and is usually solved by polymedicating. We consider the need for a differential diagnosis for an appropriate therapy.