Bothinattentiveandhyperactivesubtypes of ADHDare prone toimpulse controlproblems.
In extremely oversimplified terms, dopamine is the go signal.
Its the motivational coach in your head encouraging you to do certain activities and to keep going.
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Meanwhile, serotonin is the no go signal.
Then, when the occasion calls for it, each hormone has the ability to override the either.
Both processes have their function.
The ability to resist impulses can save you from taking unnecessary risks or making bad choices.
In one study on impulsivity, low activity levels in dopamine receptors were linked to increased impulsive behavior.
What Does Impulsivity Look Like in ADHD?
ADHD-related impulsivity takes a lot of forms, with some impulsive behavior more obvious than others.
You just have to go do it.
The urge is too intense and you feel like you will burn up if you dont indulge it.
Over the long term, your more self-destructive impulses can leave you with heavy guilt and regret.
Here are a few strategies that can help.
This increased self-awareness can help you anticipate high-risk situations and figure out personalized strategies for diffusing those impulses.
Train Your Impulse Endurance
With ADHD, an impaired impulse control mechanism makes resisting impulses feel impossible.
But, with practice, you might build up some tolerance.
Meanwhile, the more you practice at least delaying those impulses, the better you get at controlling them.
Eventually, youll be able to use that delay to consider whether this is even an impulse worth indulging.
When did your impulsiveness lead to good outcomes and when was it disastrous?
Focus your energy on controlling the disastrous impulses and let the positive or neutral ones slide.
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Thorell LB.Do delay aversion and executive function deficits make distinct contributions to the functional impact of ADHD symptoms?
A study of early academic skill deficits.J Child Psychol & Psychiat.
1990;58(1):95-102. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.58.1.95
