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Impulsive disorders can impact an individual and his or her family in a variety of ways, depending upon the severity of the disorder. While conditions are sometimes called impulsive behavior disorders or impulsive personality disorders, the reality is that something isn’t right and it impacts everyday life.

For those with a disorder characterized as impulsive behavior disorder, destructive behavior is generally present. This behavior is generally uncontrolled and often occurs with little or no warning. Drastic consequences can occur as a result of actions taken by the individual, even though they often have no sense of control over their actions.

One of the most poplar diagnoses for impulsive behavior disorders is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Such impulsive disorders are associated with two common misbehaviors: inattention and hyperactivity. Both ADHD and ADD are commonly found in middle age children and are generally treated with prescription medications and therapeutic techniques.

An individual exhibiting inattention behavior generally lacks the ability to focus, experiences regular instances of unreasonable distraction, displays unorganized conduct in thoughts and actions and demonstrates a resistance to putting forth effort. The individual can also have an irrational absentmindedness that can frustrate those living in the same environment.

When hyperactivity behavior is present, the individual experiences continuous restlessness, an inability to follow through on instructions, regular reckless activity, acting out through loud and outrageous actions to gain attention, demonstrating impatience even during short periods of time and shows a disregard for common manners.

When either inattention behavior or hyperactivity are present in the individual, certain behaviors are to be expected. It is when the behavior becomes excessive that larger problems can arise. It is at this point that medical intervention may be necessary or counseling for those who live with the individual with an impulsive disorder.

If the disorder is an impulsive personality disorder, this introduces new challenges aside from hyperactivity and inattention. In such situations, the individual may have narcissistic disorder or an antisocial personality disorder. This individual cannot resist the urge to act on impulses even if they are socially unacceptable or could cause harm to themselves or those around them.

Research into this area of the psyche has shown that impulsive personality can be inherited, could be the result of a brain injury or can emerge when serotonin, endorphins and testosterone levels are unbalanced. Impulsive personality disorders are associated with obsessive compulsive disorders and can include Pyromania, explosive disorder, kleptomania, pathological gambling, trichotillomania and dermatillomania.
The first step to treating someone with an impulsive disorder is to clearly understand exactly what disorder inflicts them and if other disorders are also present. As these disorders develop in the brain, they can be complex and hard to navigate, but proper control and treatment of the disorder can ensure a much more smooth existence for those suffering.