According to a national survey conducted in 2013, impulsivity affects 17 percent of the general population and is seen as an important determinant of personality differences, risk-taking behaviors, psychiatric disorders, and conditions like ADHD.1 Impulsivity that coincides with an ADHD diagnosis in a child is likely to continue well into adulthood if not managed properly.2 Explore the relationship between impulsivity and ADHD, some examples of impulsive behaviors, and how to control impulsive behavior in adults with therapy or medication like Brillia.
What Is Impulsivity?
Impulsivity is defined as “a predisposition toward rapid, unplanned reactions to internal or external stimuli with diminished regard to the negative consequences of these reactions to the impulsive individual or to others.”3 In simpler terms, impulsivity refers to acting without thinking first. This may refer to physically risky behavior like driving recklessly, or socially risky behavior like interrupting somebody who is speaking or blurting out something inappropriate.
Examples of Impulsive Behaviors
From cutting in line to having a temper outburst, there are a number of behaviors that may be considered impulsive. These include:
- Interrupting during conversation or blurting out something inappropriate
- Destructive behaviors like reckless driving, self-harm, or getting physically aggressive with others often
- Binge behaviors like shopping, gambling, or overeating
- Destroying or defacing your own property or the property of others, usually in a fit of anger
- Frequent outbursts
- Finding it difficult to wait in line
ADHD & Impulsivity
Researchers have found that impulsivity in ADHD may be due to an underlying executive functioning deficit.4 According to psychiatrist Tim Bilkey, MD, decision making is part of the prefrontal cortex, which is the thinking part of the brain behind our forehead. He tells Psychology Today, “People with ADHD have an even greater delay in the maturity of this part of the brain, which may explain some of the impulsive traits that they have.”5 And while many believe that impulsivity is central to ADHD, the extent to which it plays a role remains unclear. For some, this means that you can have ADHD and not be impulsive, such as in the case of those who are predominantly inattentive.
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Treating Impulsivity With Therapy & Medicine
There are a variety of ways to treat impulsivity, including therapy and medication. In terms of therapy, experts have found the most effectiveness with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps a person understand the roots of their impulsive thoughts and behaviors while developing new and healthier ways of thinking and behaving.6
Some doctors prescribe stimulant medications to treat impulsivity and ADHD, however these medications often come with harsh side effects like sleep problems, decreased appetite, headaches, and moodiness. Even more, some studies have shown that stimulant medication does not affect impulsivity to a meaningful degree.7
How Brillia Can Help With Impulsivity
Brillia is a non-stimulant medication for ADHD that is available without an official diagnosis or prescription. Brillia uses antibodies to the brain-specific S100 protein (S100B), which is a protein that regulates many different intracellular and extracellular brain processes. By normalizing the processes related to the S100B protein, Brillia effectively reduces common ADHD symptoms including impulsivity, restlessness, inattention, and anxiety and due to its very targeted active ingredient it does not have the harmful side effects of other prescription medication. Uniquely, Brillia relies on a holistic 5-Pillar approach. Lifestyle factors such as eating well, controlling screen time, practicing mindfulness, and getting adequate sleep help to maximize the effectiveness of taking Brillia. And if you’re already taking a prescribed drug, Brillia can be added to your regimen without worry because there are no contraindications. Some people have even used Brillia to replace their prescription drugs, though you should always consult your doctor first before stopping any medication. Read more about how Brillia works.
References: 1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3564492, 2https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/aa170435, 3https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17415079/, 4https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14658934/, 5https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fast-minds/201303/impulsivity-symptom-adhd, 6https://www.tamuct.edu/research/databases/disorders/impulse-control-disorders.html, 7https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1226151/
