Activity of the behavioural activation system and the behavioural inhibition system and psychopathology

Abstract

The behavioural inhibition system (BIS) and the behavioural activation system (BAS) have been conceptualized as two neurobehavioural systems regulating sensitivity to punishment (BIS) and sensitivity to reinforcement (BAS) and are in the basis of personality. A lack of balance in the BIS and BAS activation levels has been related to several types of psychopathology. This article reviews the most relevant studies on the issue published over the last few years, which show that both systems prove useful to assess a number of disorders, namely eating disorders, psychopathy, alcohol dependance, personality disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression, and that they can be applied clinically.