Impulsivity in depressed clients

Abstract

This study aims to explore impulsivity as a component of aggression in depressed clients. This study used a qualitative method with a phenomenological study approach. There were 11 study participants in this investigation. A thematic analysis was used in analyzing the data. The study produced four themes: (1) uncontrolled anger as the initial expression of impulsivity, (2) anger manifestations through reckless actions, (3) homicidal versus suicidal thoughts during the impulsive phase, and (4) self-efficacy at the end of impulsivity. Impulsivity is the main form of aggression in depressed clients. Nurses need to pay attention to impulsive behaviors in depressed clients, especially by helping clients to build good coping strategies and improve the quality of their social relations so that they can break the chain of the characteristics of impulsivity.