Does impulsivity predict treatment outcomes in PTSD with borderline personality disorder features? Results from a randomized clinical trial.
J Psychiatr ResAug 13, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchPsychiatry
Frank Enning, Martin Bohus, Kathlen Priebe et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized clinical trial examined the role of impulsivity in predicting treatment outcomes for PTSD in women with borderline personality disorder features. Among 193 participants, higher baseline impulsivity was associated with increased dropout rates (p=0.049) and negatively impacted PTSD symptom improvement in those receiving Cognitive Processing Therapy (p=0.021), but not in Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
Key findings
- Higher baseline impulsivity scores were linked to increased dropout rates (p=0.049).
- Non-planning impulsivity specifically predicted higher dropout rates (p=0.012).
- In Cognitive Processing Therapy, higher total impulsivity was negatively related to PTSD symptom improvement (p=0.021).
- No significant relationship was found between impulsivity and PTSD improvement in Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
Why it matters
Understanding the impact of impulsivity on treatment outcomes can help clinicians identify patients at risk for poor response to therapies, allowing for more tailored and effective treatment strategies for PTSD.