Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSignsCausesRisk FactorsIn ChildrenWhen It’s a ProblemTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Signs
Causes
Risk Factors
In Children
When It’s a Problem
Treatment
Impulsive behavior is not a disorder, but it can be a symptom of a condition like ADHD or bipolar disorder.
Impulsivity is the tendency to act without thinking about the consequences. For some people, impulsivity is simply a character trait—a preference for spontaneity. For others, it can be a symptom of a significant disorder. Some medications and illegal drugs can also lead to impulsive behaviors.
Learn when impulsivity is a problem and what steps to take if you’re concerned.
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Signs of Impulsivity
There are many different definitions of impulsivity. All of them describe it as an antisocial or negative type of behavior. According to one definition, there are four factors involved with impulsivity:
Another way to think about impulsivity is to describe it in terms of how it is expressed. Some researchers describe three different types of impulsiveness:
Compulsive vs. ImpulsiveImpulsivity and compulsivity are both behavioral problems that have to do with a lack of control. However, people with compulsivity are unable to stop behaving in inappropriate or harmful ways, while people with impulsivity aren’t able to stop themselves from initiating inappropriate or harmful behavior.
Compulsive vs. Impulsive
Impulsivity and compulsivity are both behavioral problems that have to do with a lack of control. However, people with compulsivity are unable to stop behaving in inappropriate or harmful ways, while people with impulsivity aren’t able to stop themselves from initiating inappropriate or harmful behavior.
Causes of Impulsivity
The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain responsible for impulse control. There are several regions within the prefrontal cortex. These interact with neurochemicals such as serotonin to control functions like selective attention, response selection, motivational control, and behavioral inhibition.
Substances that can cause impulsivity include recreational drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine, but can also include medications such as levodopa (used to treat Parkinson’s disease) and Abilify (aripiprazole).
Everyone behaves impulsively from time to time, but excessive impulsivity can be a sign of an underlying problem. Certain disorders or environmental influences can put a person at higher risk for impulsive behavior. For example:
Impulsivity in Children
It is common for children to behave impulsively, even if they don’t have a disorder associated with impulsivity.Some examples of normal impulsive behavior in children include:
All children are impulsive sometimes, and it can be difficult to distinguish normal impulsivity from impulsivity pointing to a problem. If you notice excessive impulsivity in your child or impulsive behavior that is inappropriate for the child’s age, talk to their healthcare provider.
When Is Impulsive Behavior an Issue?
There is a fine line between spontaneity and impulsivity. A spontaneous decision to take the day off and go to the beach can be a reasonable choice; an impulsive decision to tell off the boss and quit your job can be disastrous.
The difference between impulsivity and spontaneity is that impulsive behavior is usually negative and often has the potential to be harmful to the individual or the people around them.
While spontaneous people may enjoy doing things on the spur of the moment, impulsive people are more likely to act out or take unreasonable risks.For example, impulsivity is closely associated with:
Impulsive behavior is a problem (or a potential problem) when:
Conditions Associated With Impulsivity
Treating Impulsivity
Impulsivity may be treated withcognitive behavioral therapy, a type of psychotherapy (talk therapy), and medications. The choice of treatment depends, of course, on the cause of the impulsive behavior. In some cases, simply withdrawing or changing a drug or medication can make all the difference.
Treatment may start with a diagnosis of an underlying issue such as ADHD or bipolar disorder. Once the underlying issue is diagnosed, treatment may include appropriate medication. It may also include both behavioral and cognitive therapy.
In other cases, when impulsive behavior is associated with related issues such as uncontrolled gambling,12-step programscan be very helpful. These are often recommended along with behavioral and cognitive therapy.
Medications for Impulsivity
Certain groups of medications may help treat impulsivity. These include:
Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy for Impulsivity
Cognitive therapy is traditional talk therapy, which explores inaccurate perceptions or thoughts that drive impulsive behaviors.Behavioral therapy teaches the person to substitute new behaviors for problematic behaviors.
Cognitive behavioral therapy combines elements of both therapeutic techniques to help people think through and manage problematic behaviors. Therapists may also use techniques such asbiofeedback(techniques to gain control of involuntary processes) to help people manage issues such as anxiety, which can lead to impulsive behaviors.
Summary
Impulsivity describes behaviors that are associated with a lack of control, such as acting without considering consequences and sensation seeking. Impulsive behavior can be a symptom of a condition like ADHD or bipolar disorder.
Impulsivity is common in children, but excessive impulsivity or impulsivity that is inappropriate for their age should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
The conditions that are associated with impulsivity can be treated with medication, therapy, or a combination of both.
14 Sources
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