Impulsivity: Definition, Causes, & Treatments

What Is Impulsive Behavior?

Impulsive behavior refers to unplanned and hasty actions without considering possible consequences. An impulsive person may lack self-control and tend to act on immediate desires, such as making big purchases, engaging in risky behaviors, or speaking without thinking.

Sometimes, impulsivity can have benefits, as someone may be more spontaneous and adventurous. However, poor decisions can also result in long-term complications, like relationship, financial, and legal problems.

Symptoms of Impulsivity

Impulsiveness ranges from trivial, unimportant behavior to dangerous, even fatal actions. Those who act impulsively may wonder why they struggle with controlling urges and desires. A lack of impulse control can be distressing, possibly leading to increased anxiety, irritability, aggression, and obsessive behaviors. For some individuals, impulsivity can manifest as complete disregard for the needs and safety of others.

Some other signs and characteristics of impulsivity and impulse control issues include:⁴

• Irritability or agitation
• Behaving rash or unpredictable
• Inattentiveness
• Being easily distracted
• Interrupting conversations
• Depressive emotions (e.g. sad, hopeless, guilty)
• Anxiety
• Self-isolation
• Lowered perception of self-worth and self-esteem
• Come-and-go moments of emotional detachment
• Obsessive or compulsive thought patterns (e.g. “I must do this or _ will happen.”)
• Difficulty controlling or stopping impulses
• Difficulty with patience
• Aggressive or violent behavior toward self or others
• Engaging in hyper-sexual behaviors
• Illegal behaviors (e.g., stealing, fire-starting)

Examples of Impulsive Behavior

Impulsive behavior in adults can manifest in many ways, such as impulsive spending, substance use, emotional eating, or anger outbursts. Everyone may feel impulsive at some point, but chronic impulsivity can affect functioning and impede healthy decision-making skills.

Below are common examples of impulsivity:

• Excessive gambling: Those struggling with impulsivity may spend large amounts of money on lottery tickets, casino games, or online gambling without considering the potential financial consequences.
• Impulsive sexual behavior: Engaging in unplanned or risky sexual encounters without proper protection or consideration of the potential consequences is an example of impulsive behavior.
• Self-harming behaviors: Engaging in impulsive acts of self-harm, such as cutting or burning oneself, can be a way to cope with emotional distress.
• Reckless driving: Impulsivity can also manifest as dangerous driving behaviors, such as speeding, running red lights, or tailgating.
• Shoplifting: Some people may steal items from stores on impulse without regard for legal consequences or the impact on others.

What Causes Impulsive Behavior?

What causes impulsivity depends on various factors, including brain abnormalities in areas associated with impulse control and decision-making. Additionally, personality traits like low self-control or high sensation-seeking may increase the likelihood of impulsive behavior.

Possible causes of impulsivity include:

• Family history of mental illness: Some evidence indicates a family history of mental illness—such as mood disorders or similar diagnoses—increases the likelihood of impulsive behaviors and impulse control disorders.³
• Brain abnormalities: Research suggests imbalances in brain structures related to emotions, planning, or memory can increase the risk of impulsive symptoms.³
• Substance use: Substances can impair judgment and impulse control, leading individuals to engage in impulsive actions without considering the potential consequences.
• Trauma: Trauma, such as physical or emotional abuse, can disrupt brain development and lead to difficulties in emotional regulation. Individuals may act on impulse as a response to triggers or numb emotional pain.
• Experiencing abuse or violence: Individuals exposed to violence may have learned to react impulsively as a defense mechanism or to protect themselves in threatening situations.
• Inconsistent parenting: Inconsistent parenting, unpredictable discipline, or a lack of structure can contribute to impulsivity, as children may not learn appropriate impulse control or self-regulation skills.
• Brain injury: Brain injury to areas affecting decision-making and impulse control can affect the ability to regulate behavior effectively.

Impulsivity & Associated Disorders

Impulsivity is often associated with certain personality disorders and other mental health conditions. For example, individuals with borderline personality disorder may engage in risky sexual behaviors, binge eating, or reckless driving to cope with intense emotions. Those with ADHD may struggle with impulsive decision-making and controlling their behavior and attention.

Addictive disorders may also contribute to impulsivity because individuals may seek to satisfy cravings or urges immediately. Addressing the underlying causes of impulsive behavior when treating associated mental health conditions is essential when approaching treatment.

Some disorders that co-occur with impulsivity symptoms include:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): ADHD commonly co-occurs with impulsivity, as individuals may struggle with maintaining attention and hyperactivity.
• Intermittent explosive disorder (IED): Intermittent explosive disorder results in recurrent outbursts of impulsive aggression, which can include verbal or physical anger, property damage, or tantrums that are out of proportion to the provocation.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Individuals with PTSD may engage in impulsive behaviors, such as self-destructive behaviors, substance abuse, or risky sexual encounters, to numb or escape from distressing memories or emotions.
• Bipolar disorders: Bipolar disorders may result in impulsivity during manic episodes due to heightened energy levels and racing thoughts.
• Personality disorders: Personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and histrionic personality disorder, can lead to self-harm, impulsive spending, substance abuse, risky sexual behavior, or frequent job changes.
• Substance use disorders: Substance use disorders may lead to hasty decision-making to obtain or use substances, leading to a cycle of impulsive behaviors and substance abuse.
• Conduct disorder: Conduct disorder involves persistent patterns of behavior that violate the rights of others, such as aggression, destruction of property, theft, and impulsivity.
• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD): Oppositional defiant disorder can result in impulsive anger, defiance, and irritability, often leading to conflicts with authority figures.
• Pyromania: Pyromania is a rare impulse control disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to set fires, often driven by tension or emotional excitement.
• Kleptomania: Those with kleptomania impulsively steal despite items having little to no personal use or monetary gain.
• Gambling addiction: Individuals with a gambling addiction may engage in impulsive and excessive betting, even when their behavior leads to significant financial loss or strained relationships.
• Trichotillomania: Trichotillomania results in recurrent and compulsive urges to pull out one’s hair, resulting in hair loss and potential scarring.

Impacts of Impulsivity

Chronic impulsivity and impulsive thinking can profoundly impact relationships, employment, finances, and overall well-being. For example, impulsive behavior may lead to conflicts with loved ones or impede the ability to establish and maintain healthy boundaries. Impulsive decision-making can also lead to financial troubles, legal issues, and other negative consequences that can put individuals under significant stress.

Possible complications associated with impulsivity include:

• Relationship problems: Impulsivity can strain relationships, as impulsive behaviors can lead to emotional instability, broken trust, and conflicts with partners or loved ones.
• Financial difficulties: Impulsive spending, gambling, or risky financial decisions can lead to significant problems, including debt, bankruptcy, and loss of assets.
• Legal issues and incarceration: Impulsive aggression, property damage, or illegal activities can result in criminal charges and potential incarceration.
• Substance abuse and addiction: Individuals may engage in impulsive drug or alcohol use, sometimes leading to addiction and related health, social, and legal problems.
• Poor academic or occupational performance: Impulsive individuals may have difficulty staying focused, following through on tasks, or adhering to schedules. Ultimately, these challenges can lead to poor academic performance, job instability, or even job loss.
• Risky sexual behaviors: Impulsivity can lead to engaging in unsafe sexual practices, which can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies.
• Physical injuries: Engaging in impulsive behaviors, such as reckless driving, physical altercations, or dangerous sports without adequate precautions, can increase the risk of physical injuries.
• Mental health complications: Chronic impulsivity can contribute to various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and personality disorders, as impulsive behavior can exacerbate symptoms.

Treatment of Impulsive Behaviors

Treatment of impulsive behaviors, symptoms, and disorders differs depending on the person and intended goals. Research indicates several therapies are effective in reducing impulsive behaviors, and some psychotropic medications can aid in addressing associated symptoms.^4,5

Therapy

Therapy can be an uncomfortable and scary experience, regardless of your history with a therapist or counselor. However, professional support can help determine how to stop impulsive behavior. Therapists can assist you in growing self-awareness and insight into what influences your impulsivity.

Identifying which type of therapy you need can seem daunting, but finding the right therapist can ease any anxiety. You can search for a provider in an online therapist directory or consult your primary care provider for recommendations. Help is available–all you need to do is take the first step.

Therapies for impulsivity and related conditions may include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals learn to identify and change negative thought patterns and maladaptive behaviors that contribute to impulsivity.
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): DBT combines CBT and mindfulness techniques to help individuals build emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills.
• Group therapy: Group therapy can provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment for individuals to learn and practice skills for managing impulsivity while offering a sense of community and connection.
• Family therapy: Family therapy can help address family dynamics that influence impulsivity. Family members can learn to communicate more effectively and support each other in managing impulsive behavior.
• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT): MBCT integrates mindfulness meditation practices with CBT to reduce stress, improve impulse control, and enhance emotional regulation.
• Psychodynamic therapy: Psychodynamic therapy explores unconscious conflicts and behavior patterns that may contribute to impulsivity, helping individuals gain insight into their underlying emotional needs and motivations.
• Medication management: Medication alongside therapy may help alleviate symptoms, depending on the underlying condition causing impulsivity.

Medication

The FDA has not approved specific medications for impulsivity, but research suggests mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics may improve symptoms and other interpersonal difficulties.⁵ Medication management combined with therapy yields the most promising results, so consider consulting a prescriber after meeting with a therapist.⁵

How to Control Impulsive Behavior

Lifestyle changes can also aid in addressing low impulse control. Your environment can influence levels of impulsivity, so take action against negative habits, substance use, and unhealthy relationships. You can experience relief and work toward overcoming impulsivity by maintaining treatment, limiting exposure to triggers, and seeking social support.

Below are helpful tips for how to stop being impulsive:

1. Explore healthy alternatives to impulsive behaviors: Find alternative ways to channel your energy and emotions instead of engaging in impulsive actions. For example, engaging in creative activities, exercise, or hobbies can provide a sense of fulfillment.
2. Lean on your loved ones: Seek support from trusted friends or family members who can provide guidance, accountability, and encouragement to help you resist impulsive urges and make more thoughtful choices.
3. Practice meditation: Regular meditation can enhance self-awareness, improve impulse control, and promote a sense of calm and clarity.
4. Track your mood each day: Keep a daily mood journal to identify patterns and triggers for impulsive behavior. This awareness can help you anticipate and manage urges more effectively.
5. Create a realistic routine: Establishing a schedule can provide stability by creating predictability and reducing opportunities for impulsive decision-making.
6. Monitor your physical and mental health: Taking care of your overall well-being can positively impact impulsivity. Engage in regular exercise, maintain a balanced diet, get adequate sleep, and seek treatment for any underlying mental health conditions.
7. Reduce access to potential sources of harm: Minimize exposure to situations, environments, or substances that trigger impulsive behavior. For instance, you can limit access to credit cards, avoid certain social settings, or seek positive people who support healthy lifestyle changes.
8. Identify your triggers: Identify specific situations, emotions, or stressors that often trigger impulsive behavior. Once identified, develop strategies to manage these triggers by practicing relaxation techniques or seeking support during challenging times.