A Guide to Impulsive Behavior and Child Mental Health
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Sometimes, families notice behavior in their little ones that gives them pause. Impulsivity, which may be perceived as a lack of self-control, is one of those behaviors. In this blog, you’ll learn more about impulsive behavior and what it means for your child’s mental health.
To be clear, not all impulsivity is a sign of a mental health condition.
So what is impulsivity?
Everyone acts impulsively now and then! But for some, impulsive behavior is more common.
Impulsivity is a tendency to behave without thinking and without realizing the risk of the behavior. It’s characterized by a focus on the immediate moment, not future consequences.
It’s also important to recognize that impulsivity is different from being spontaneous or “in the moment.” Impulsive behaviors reflect the decreased capacity for self-control.
Examples of impulsivity include interrupting, crossing a street without looking for cars, having difficulty waiting for a turn, or taking unnecessary risks.
How does impulsivity relate to child mental health and development?
Kids learn to control impulses as they develop, which reflects both brain development and learning. As they grow, children develop the ability to regulate emotions and behaviors, and to understand the consequences of their actions.
Impulsive behavior may signal a mental health concern when it adversely impacts the functioning or safety of a child - or adult!
In general, we see impulse control as a positive trait, because it’s so important to emotional intelligence, self-management, building positive relationships with others, and conflict management. However, sometimes impulsivity can be valuable, too! The capacity to act decisively and instinctively, to take risks, and to seize opportunity can be valuable aspects of impulsivity.
When we think about how impulsivity relates to child mental health, we’re looking to understand if those impulsive behaviors reflect a pattern of behaviors that are hurtful to others and/or negatively impact a person’s functioning and development.
Can impulsive behavior signal a mental health challenge?
Impulsivity itself isn’t a mental health disorder. However, it can be a symptom associated with a variety of mental health challenges.
When trying to figure out if someone’s impulsivity may indicate something more serious, we may start to have concerns when:
The person doesn’t understand or have insights into the negative impacts of their impulsive behavior.
They’re unable to reduce their impulsivity when others make them aware of negative consequences.
They’re engaging in risky or dangerous behaviors.
The impulsive behavior is associated with other signs and symptoms of mental illness.
We’re going to cover a few mental health disorders that can present as impulsive behavior next. However, keep in mind that a mental health assessment is an important step in diagnosing and treating any of the following conditions.
If you’re worried, it’s important to speak with a health professional about your concerns. Your family’s primary care provider is a great place to start.
After all, research consistently shows that getting treatment for mental health challenges early can lessen the impact of the disorder over the course of a person’s life.
What mental health disorders might look like impulsivity?
Impulsive behavior is a common sign for a wide variety of mental health challenges. Again, if you’re concerned about impulsive behavior, it’s important to seek support.
Some mental health challenges that are associated with impulsivity are:
Mania and bipolar disorder
Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)
Kleptomania
Borderline personality disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Antisocial Behavior Disorder
Substance Use Disorder
Brain injury
Stroke
Impulsive behavior & ADHD
One of the most common mental health concerns associated with impulsive behavior is ADHD; learn more about what ADHD is here. Impulsivity co-occurs with hyperactive symptoms.
A few common impulsive behaviors in children that may relate to ADHD include:
Talking excessively
Blurting out answers
Interrupting conversations
Having difficulty waiting for one’s turn
Grabbing toys from other children.
These impulsive behaviors may co-occur with hyperactivity, including fidgeting, difficulty sitting still, running around inappropriately, and always being “in motion.” These behaviors can adversely impact organization capacities, planning, follow-through, and good social skills and relationships.
In adults, impulsivity may show up as:
Excessive talking in social situations.
Interrupting or completing others’ sentences.
Having difficulty waiting.
Poor impulse control can lead to unplanned purchases, risky behaviors, and difficulty fulfilling one’s commitments.
Impulsive behavior & mania and bipolar disorder
Impulsivity may also signal mania and bipolar disorder. This may show up as behaviors such as overspending, risky sexual behaviors, increased risk for substance abuse, binge eating, and suicidal behaviors. Key features of bipolar impulsivity are recklessness and reduced insights into one’s behaviors and consequences.
Impulsive behavior & impulse control disorders
Here are some “impulse control” disorders that may show up as impulsivity:
Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED): Impulsive, anger-based, aggressive outbursts that are incongruent with the triggers.
Kleptomania: Impulsive and unnecessary stealing of things that are not needed.
Impulsive behavior & borderline personality disorder
Borderline personality disorder is characterized by instability in emotions, behaviors, and relationships.
Impulsive behaviors can reflect challenges in recognizing the appropriateness of their reactions and difficulty in assessing potential consequences. These challenges can present with thrill-seeking, risk-taking, and attention-seeking behaviors.
Impulsive behavior & PTSD
People with PTSD or people who have experienced complex trauma may also present with Impulsive behaviors. Often impulsive behaviors occur because the person is trying to find relief from stressful situations, or painful emotions or memories. Impulsive behaviors may include binge eating, use of alcohol or drugs, deliberate self-harm, or suicide attempts.
People who are experiencing psychotic symptoms may act impulsively because they are responding to hallucinations or paranoid thoughts. Their judgment and cognitive capacities might also be impaired.
Impulsive behavior & conduct disorders
Conduct disorders in children also reflect difficulty controlling aggression or other behaviors that can be a potential threat to others’ safety or social norms. Adults with antisocial personality disorder commonly are impulsively reflected in abrupt changes in relationships, jobs, and living circumstances.
Impulsive behavior & brain injury or stroke
It is also important to recognize that impulsive behaviors can be associated with concussions, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and other neurological conditions.
It’s important to keep in mind that treatment for these mental health challenges does exist!
Treatment can make a huge difference in the impact of a mental health disorder on a person’s ability to thrive. When it comes to treatment, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
If you’re concerned about impulsive behavior in your child or family members, know that Little Otter is here to help.
We offer a range of services and resources for child and family mental health, all designed to support your ability to thrive. The Little Otter app allows you to get a custom Family Mental Health Report, and access child, family, and couples therapy as needed.