ADHD Impulsiveness

Impulsiveness is the immediate response to thoughts or deeds without any consideration of the appropriateness or consequences. People with ADHD tend to speak, act or move without thinking. Typical features of impulsiveness may include:

• rapid decisions without reflecting on the consequences
• impulsive buying
• Acting without thinking
• Speaking without any thoughts about the content and appropriate situation
• Interruption of conversations
• lack of ability to check details, making false assumptions

Impulsiveness could be also a positive feature. The ability to make rapid decisions or to act quickly can be important for leaders or in a case of emergency. However, it can also cause severe social problems and is one of the most disabling problems of ADHD for many patients.