Impulsivity:
Associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or the high energy of the Bipolar, impulse control impairs decision-making as the individual tends to react to situations rather than filtering their thoughts before reacting. The result is frequently an inappropriate reaction to the situation. Examples in young people are talking in class, not following directions because they couldn’t hold their concentration long enough to hear them, saying things which unintentionally hurt others’ feelings, or bullying others as a reaction to having been bullied.
Whatever the situation in the young or the adult, the impulse becomes almost addictive, creating a reluctance to change and consequently, more conflict or poor choices. I have spent many years finding creative methods for treating impulse control disorders that have resulted in a large number of referrals of clients seeking this treatment.