When the impulsivity is punctual and moderate, it is not a problem. On the other hand, excessive impulsivity is a concern, especially in relationships with others. Therapies are effective in managing impulsivity. 

Impulsivity is the fact of having difficulty in controlling oneself, of acting under the influence of emption without thinking. In our daily life, we have many terms to designate impulsivity: I act without thinking, I go for it, I say everything I think, I easily get angry … It is often those around him who qualify a person impulsive and is usually a derogatory adjective associated with aggression and anger. But the qualifier impulsive can also denote a quality and be used for a person who makes decisions quickly.  

In psychiatry, impulsivity is one of the most common criteria of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association) for several diagnoses: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), borderline and antisocial personality disorders, bipolar disorder, conduct and oppositional disorders, impulse control disorders, bulimia and substance abuse. 

In a legal context, impulsiveness is one of the greatest risk factors for acting out and reoffending. 

Being impulsive once in a while is not the same as being too impulsive all the time. 

The authors of the book Better living your impulsivity distinguish between quality impulsivity and impulsivity which can become a disease. Impulsivity is more of a quality if you are impulsive sometimes, on you never regret it, that makes others happy and that you are complimented for it. This impulsiveness is punctual and inconsequential. 

Impulsivity is problematic when you are impulsive too often, regret it afterwards, scare others and are blamed for it. This impulsiveness is deleterious and oblivious to others. Excessive impulsivity is a problem for yourself and those around you. (1) It can have sometimes serious consequences. Impulsivity can lead to relationship problems (with one’s spouse, neighbors…), acts of violence towards oneself or towards others (fight or injury by punching a fist against a wall for example…). 

(1) Dr Charles-Edouard Rengade, Dr Emmanuel Fanget, Living better with impulsiveness, Éditions Odile Jacob, 2011.

Many cases of excessive impulsivity are inherent in the character of people who have difficulty dealing with their emotions. But there are often underlying mechanisms: hypersensitivity, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, addictions, frustration intolerance, personality disorders …

If your impulsivity is excessive and you suffer from its consequences in your life, consulting a psychiatrist allows you to find a possible cause for this impulsivity and to be able to treat the cause after diagnosis or to understand what this impulsivity translates to take care of it. 

The most suitable therapies for managing impulsivity are cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy. 

 Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is also a suitable therapy for learning to manage emotions. 

Yoga, meditation or relaxation therapy can also help manage emotions. On a daily basis, relaxation and breathing exercises help to regain self-control.