Impulsivity is when a person acts out in behaviors that they may not think through beforehand. Certainly, everyone may make impulsive decisions at some point in their lives. It can be a part of growing up, drastic changes in life, and relationship losses or changes. However, when impulsive behaviors are uncontrollable and happen for a long period of time, this can be a sign of an underlying issue like a mental health condition. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of impulsive behaviors can help people determine whether or not these behaviors are a sign of something more serious that may need addressing.

Examples of Impulsive Decisions and Behaviors

Doing things that you may have not if you thought about them happens to everyone from time to time. However, making impulsive decisions and not thinking about the consequences of behaviors often can be a sign that something is wrong mentally. Making impulsive decisions on a daily basis can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and regret.

Some examples of impulsive behaviors that are repetitive and can signify that there may be an underlying mental health issue that stimulates these behaviors can include:

• mood swings and acting out of irritability (fighting others, etc.)
• agitation, restlessness, and discomposure
• being easily distracted
• interrupting people when they’re speaking
• substance use and misuse
• promiscuity

Mental Health Issues that Showcase Impulsive Behaviors

There are certain mental health issues that increase the risk of risky and impulsive behaviors. In the case of acting out impulsively due to mental health issues, a person is typically unable to cease acting impulsively even if they are aware of the consequences. Some examples of mental health issues that may have a pathological association with impulsive behaviors, keeping individuals who are living with these mental health conditions from acting impulsively include:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Substance Use Disorder
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Bipolar disorders
• Antisocial Personality disorders
• Impulse Control disorders

Treatments for Mental Health Issues that Have Impulse Issues as a Symptom

Fortunately, people who are struggling with impulse control as the result of a developed mental health condition can find and accept help through medical and mental health resources if they’re willing. Treatment can include prescription medications, treatment services, and therapeutic tools that can help to reduce symptoms and provide helpful resources in order to learn how to identify and modify unhealthy behavior.

Different types of treatment, therapy, and medication may be available depending on a person’s symptoms and the mental health issue they are diagnosed with. It’s important to find a mental health treatment facility that is aware of the specific needs of individuals to develop treatment planning that is most beneficial.

Outpatient Mental Health Treatment at Yellowbrick for Impulse Control

If you are finding that your impulsive behavior is negatively affecting your life, your job, or your relationships, it’s time to get help. Treatment and counseling services can help you get better control of your life and behaviors in order to better manage symptoms of your mental health condition, including making impulsive decisions.

Yelowbrick offers outpatient treatment and therapy options for people living with a number of mental health issues. Find out how we can help you by learning more about our facility located in Evanston, Illinois, from our website today.