Citation

Seidl JNT, Pastorek NJ, Troyanskaya M, Scheibel RS. J. Clin. Exp. Neuropsychol. 2015; 37(1): 84-91.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13803395.2014.989817

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Previous research has identified a relation between impulsiveness and substance use, as well as performance on certain tests of executive functioning. However, no prior research has investigated these relations in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) veterans with and without a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

METHOD: The present study utilized a sample of 127 veterans (55 controls, 72 mTBI). Relations among health behaviors, cognition, and domain scores (attentional, motor, and nonplanning impulsiveness) of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11) were examined using regression analyses.

RESULTS: Nonplanning impulsiveness was associated with higher Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score. Attentional and motor impulsiveness were not associated with performance on any measures of behavior or cognition. The relationship between nonplanning impulsiveness and alcohol misuse was not influenced by history of mTBI.

CONCLUSIONS: These results partially support previous findings and indicate that an association between impulsiveness and problematic behaviors exists in OEF/OIF/OND veterans, regardless of TBI history.