• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Honestly ADHD
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Printables
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Printables
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Changing Behavior

    ADHD Impulsivity: Is It Out of Our Control?

    Published: May 9, 2023 · Modified: Mar 16, 2024 by the Honestly ADHD team · This post may contain affiliate links.

    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Email

    The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional or medical advice. See our full disclaimer.

    ADHD people are often impulsive. We tend to act or speak without fully thinking through all the implications of doing so.

    If you're an adult with ADHD or a parent of an impulsive ADHD child, you know that the world we live in often views impulsivity as trouble!

    So, to answer the question, ‘is it out of our control?’ when referring to impulsivity in the ADHD brain: to an extent, yes. However, there are things you can do to support yourself and understand your brain better. 

    A boy thinking about releasing a slingshot at the camera. this Post
    Jump to:
    • Imbalanced Hormone Levels and Impulse Control
    • What leads to Impulsivity in ADHD Brains?
    • Impulsive Traits in ADHD
    • Emotional Dysregulation and Impulsivity
    • Dopamine Flooding
    • ADHD Impulsivity and Mental Health
    • Supporting Your Impulsive ADHD Brain
    • Final Words

    Imbalanced Hormone Levels and Impulse Control

    Although seen more commonly in the hyperactive-impulsive type, impulsivity can be found in all types of ADHD (hyperactive-impulsive type, inattentive type and combined type). To understand why impulsivity is one of the core symptoms of ADHD, we need to first understand the science.

    A complex system of hormones in the human brain (including the two ‘happy’ hormones, serotonin and dopamine) plays a pivotal role in how we make decisions on what to do.1Dopamine and Seratonin: Our Own Happy Chemicals

    These hormones, simply put, reinforce the behaviors that make us feel good.

    In a neurotypical person, those hormone levels are balanced: there is the right amount of dopamine to help you get a task done and the right amount of serotonin to feel satisfied with what you’ve achieved.

    This balance means neurotypical people will tend to have an easier time with impulse control, resisting impulsive thoughts and avoiding rash decisions.

    In the ADHD brain, levels of serotonin and dopamine are unbalanced, which can lead to high levels of impulsivity.

    Dopamine deficiency in the ADHD brain means we don’t get that ‘go’ signal to start a task: even something as ordinary as brushing our teeth will feel impossible to initiate. 

    What leads to Impulsivity in ADHD Brains?

    You may hear the term ‘dopamine chaser’ in reference to someone with ADHD. Due to our unbalanced ‘happy’ hormones we tend to actively seek out ways to get that hit of dopamine we don’t get naturally (aka ‘chasing the dopamine’).

    It is also thought the ADHD brain has lower levels of serotonin receptors (the ‘stop’ signal which enables us to resist an impulse). So, when dopamine is released, we are much more sensitive to this flooding of ‘go go go’ leaving us with a weakened impulse control mechanism and higher levels of impulsivity. 

    One study showed that when dopamine is released in the ADHD brain, the hormone level is even higher than in the less impulsive, neurotypical brain.2Dopaminergic Network Differences in Human Impulsivity

    A sudden increase in dopamine can make individuals with ADHD feel overwhelmed. This feeling pushes them to quickly act on what caused this increase, leading to impulsive behavior.

    Impulsive Traits in ADHD

    ADHD is something you are born with and have your whole life: ADHD children grow into ADHD adults. 

    But remember that impulsive behavior itself is not wrong on an absolute scale. There are times when acting impulsively and quickly are vital, such as avoiding a physical hazard or warning others of imminent danger.

    In fact, a common personality trait among ADHD adults is the ability to think on their feet and perform well in stressful situations.

    However, in general, our society prefers a more measured, considered approach that is just not how our brains work.

    Examples of impulsive behavior in ADHD children:

    • Blurting out answers in class
    • Interrupting others when they’re speaking
    • Losing friendships because of impulsive comments
    • Making careless mistakes in schoolwork
    • Taking risks with no regard for the outcome
    • Emotional outbursts

    Examples of impulsive behavior in ADHD adults:

    • Engaging in risky behaviors without assessing consequences
    • Impulse buying or spending
    • Unsafe driving
    • Career self-sabotage
    • Making last minute decisions without planning

    Emotional Dysregulation and Impulsivity

    A common symptom of ADHD - also seen in autism spectrum disorder - is difficulty dealing with strong emotions leading to emotional outbursts (or meltdowns) and emotional impulsivity.3Emotional dysregulation stats

    This is due to the decreased ability to control and regulate emotions.

    Emotional dysregulation may look like:

    • ‘Overreaction’ (by neurotypical standards) to something seemingly small or insignificant
    • Quick to anger or ‘going from 0-100'
    • Strong emotional reactions to perceived rejection (known as Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria)
    • Mood swings

    Dopamine Flooding

    A recent study found a possible link between ‘dopamine flooding’ and emotional escalation: events that trigger intense emotions may also trigger the release of higher amounts of dopamine.4The link between emotional escalation and dopamine flooding. So, it is possible that our impulsivity may be linked to the differences we experience in emotional regulation. 

    Despite many individuals reporting difficulties with regulating emotions and their relationship with impulsivity, there are debates about how emotional dysregulation relates to ADHD (it is not an official listed symptom in the diagnostic criteria). 

    One theory suggests emotional dysregulation is a core trait of ADHD and stems from the same differences in the prefrontal cortex and nervous system that cause differences with impulse control, executive function and working memory.5The prefrontal cortex and regulating emotions in ADHD 

    Another suggests emotional dysregulation is a separate condition that comes from different but overlapping changes in the brain and nervous system. 

    Either way, there is no denying many ADHD folks struggle to regulate their emotions, and this can have a big impact on how impulsivity presents itself.

    ADHD Impulsivity and Mental Health

    Both children and adults with ADHD are often branded as irresponsible, thoughtless, and erratic; their impulsive actions seen as a choice or some inherent moral failure rather than a neurological difference due to their diagnosis of ADHD.

    This is an unfair characterization based on stereotypes, lack of understanding and ableism. 

    Those with ADHD, particularly those showing traits of impulsiveness, do no choose to be impulsive. In fact, these sorts of behaviors can often have a negative effect on the individual's mental health, self-esteem and even safety.

    Being stigmatized and not understanding what is going on in your own brain (whilst simultaneously being told to just ‘get on with it’ by family members) weighs down on the ADHDer and eventually takes its toll. This can lead to substance abuse, psychiatric disorders, self-harm and even suicide.

    Adults with ADHD have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts.6Suicide and ADHD This risk factor is even higher if the individual also has comorbid depression. Mixed with impulsiveness, this is a dangerous cocktail. 

    Even amongst healthcare professionals ADHD is sometimes misdiagnosed - often as personality disorders, mood disorders or anxiety disorders. Or it's brushed off as other mental health conditions.

    For this reason, many people go undiagnosed for decades often leading to comorbid disorders such as depression, anxiety and CPTSD.

    Living in a world not made for you is harmful to your mental health; we live in a society that favors the neurotypical.

    Add to this being misunderstood, stigmatized, and sometimes dismissed by the same professionals that are supposed to help you, and it’s no surprise that so many ADHDers struggle with their mental health. 

    Supporting Your Impulsive ADHD Brain

    Knowing all of this, it is crucial to be aware of the things you can do to support yourself and how you can seek support from others.

    Stimulant medications

    ADHD medications can only be obtained by medically diagnosed individuals and must be used under the guidance of a mental health professional.

    If you choose the medication route, you should discuss with your GP as well as doing your own research.

    Therapy

    Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) are often suggested for those with ADHD.7ADHD and therapy It is however important to note that therapy alone does not treat the core symptoms of ADHD, rather provides the individual with support around time management, emotional regulation skills and negative thought patterns.

    Physical activities

    Regular exercise can help support the overactive ADHD brain. It’s used by many ADHDers as they feel it provides clarity, structure and a way to burn off excess mental energy.

    Self-care

    This means prioritizing time for relaxation, engaging in hobbies or activities that bring joy and relaxation, and ensuring adequate sleep and a nutritious diet. These practices allow impulsive people to pause, reflect, and make more considered decisions, thereby reducing impulsive actions.

    Support groups

    There are many groups, both in person and online, that you can join: they provide a safe place to connect with other ADHDers and feel seen and heard. 

    Friends and family

    If you are reading this as the friend or family member of someone with ADHD, although they may not ask directly, they need and will benefit from your support.

    This could be as simple as learning more about ADHD, being more patient or simply asking what they need.

    Final Words

    Above all it is important to recognize that your impulsivity does not make you a bad person, nor is it something that needs ‘curing’. 

    We must prioritize our well-being instead of believing we are flawed. Failing to recognize this can harm our mental health as we continually try to be someone we're not.

    To learn more about the use of ADHD medication, therapy or any other forms of support, the best place to start is by speaking with your GP.

    References:

    • 1
      Dopamine and Seratonin: Our Own Happy Chemicals
    • 2
      Dopaminergic Network Differences in Human Impulsivity
    • 3
      Emotional dysregulation stats
    • 4
      The link between emotional escalation and dopamine flooding.
    • 5
      The prefrontal cortex and regulating emotions in ADHD 
    • 6
      Suicide and ADHD
    • 7
      ADHD and therapy

    More Changing Behavior

    • A woman overwhelmed by too many tasks with post it notes with things to do written on each note.
      How to Break Tasks Down into Smaller Steps: Free Printable
    • An image of three colorful free printable adhd worksheets.
      Free ADHD Goal-Setting Worksheets: Easily Break Down Tasks
    • Three examples of the free ADHD puzzle printable files and some puzzle pieces.
      Free ADHD Puzzle Map: Piece Together Your Goals
    • Three examples of free ADHD to do lists.
      Free ADHD-friendly To-Do List (3 Printable Templates)
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    We'd love to hear from you Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Give us your rating to motivate us to keep creating free content!




    Primary Sidebar

    The honestly ADHD author team in drawing form--Erin, Amy, Gabriel, and Ric.

    Welcome to our ADHD blog 💙

    • Find us on Pinterest

    Meet the team! We're a group of adults who have ADHD and know it from the inside out.

    We've soaked up knowledge through coaching, classes, and real-life experiences, including parenting ADHD kids.

    More about us →

    The tagline for Honestly ADHD -"Real ADHD. Honest Solutions." on a chalkboard with doodles around it.

    Free Resources

    • Two ADHD printable daily planner sheets.
      Free Printable ADHD Daily Planner: Achieve Realistic Goals
    • Three examples of the free ADHD puzzle printable files and some puzzle pieces.
      Free ADHD Puzzle Map: Piece Together Your Goals
    • Three examples of free ADHD to do lists.
      Free ADHD-friendly To-Do List (3 Printable Templates)
    • Three ADHD cleaning checklist printables.
      Free ADHD Cleaning Checklist: How to Clean with ADHD
    See more Free ADHD Printables →

    Trending

    • Several gift ideas and wrapped presents on a yellow background.
      50+ Gifts for ADHD Adults They’ll Actually Love
    • A kid on a sofa with his feet in the air holding a rainbow toy gift.
      Unique Gifts and Toys for Kids with ADHD

    The Latest

    • Free printable calendar for adhd adults large print
      Free Large Print Calendar Pages (Printable & ADHD-Friendly!)
    • three christmas printable checklist designs.
      4 Free Holiday Printables Every ADHD Family Needs

    Latest Web Stories:
    ADHD Planner Story

    Popular Posts

    • A mom and her son wrapped in a blanket in the morning.
      The ADHD-Friendly Morning Routine (free printable checklist)
    • A boy thinking about releasing a slingshot at the camera.
      ADHD Impulsivity: Is It Out of Our Control?
    • A child having a meltdown. plus a printable emotion scale to help manage it.
      Manage ADHD Meltdowns: Free Printable Emotion Scale
    • A person's hands holding a fake brain and vitamins nearby.
      MTHFR and Methylated Vitamins for ADHD: A Superhero Guide
    • Three hyperactive kids of various ages yelling and holding drinks.
      ADHD Executive Age: Changing Your Expectations
    • A woman's hands holding some magnesium pills.
      Does Magnesium Help with ADHD?

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Resources

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions

    Updates

    • Find us on Pinterest
    • Guest Posting
    • Web Stories

    About

    • About Us
    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2024 Honestly ADHD, all rights reserved.