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Review
. 2022 Jul:141:105763.
doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105763. Epub 2022 Apr 9.

Are sick people really more impulsive?: Investigating inflammation-driven impulsivity

Annelise A Madison  1 , Janice K Kiecolt-Glaser  2
Affiliations
Review

Are sick people really more impulsive?: Investigating inflammation-driven impulsivity

Annelise A Madison et al. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2022 Jul.

Abstract

In both animals and humans, inflammatory stimuli - especially infections and endotoxin injections - cause "sickness behaviors," including lethargy, malaise, and low mood. An emerging line of research asserts that inflammation may provoke present-focused decision making and impulsivity. The current article assesses that claim in the context of the broader literature - including preclinical models and clinical interventions. This literature presents three challenges to purported inflammation-impulsivity link that have not been addressed to date: (1) the nebulous and imprecise definition of impulsivity; (2) reverse causality; and (3) a lack of causal evidence. These challenges point to ways in which future research designs can improve upon the extant literature to further explore the ostensible relationship between inflammation and impulsivity.

Keywords: Impulsivity; Inflammation; Mindfulness; Present focus; Sickness behavior.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors report no potential conflicts of interest.

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