Impulsivity in persons with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is very likely. There are different signs of impulsivity but the most commonly observable symptoms include urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, and sensation seeking. Impulsivity is multifaceted and touches on various aspects of behavior including patience, self-control, and sensation seeking. The symptoms often change over time. For example, a hyperactive child who has trouble sitting may turn into a fidgety or restless teen, and then into an adult with memory and attention challenges or uncomfortable restlessness. Typically, hyperactivity improves with age while attention problems tend to persist into adulthood. In women, ADHD presents as depression which is brought on by the inability to accomplish even the simplest tasks. This condition affects the micro and macrostructures of the brain, it impacts the front striatal as well as the frontal-parietal networks. Specifically, dysregulated functional communications in the networks are thought to occasion the behavioral dysfunction associated with the condition. There are three commonly used behavioral models for impulsivity in ADHD: the Five-Choice Serial Action Time (5-CSRTT), the Stop-Signal Reaction Time (SSRT), and the delay discounting paradigm. The approaches to managing impulsivity in ADHD include psychoeducation, pharmacology, psychotherapeutic, and psychosocial interventions. The main factor in determining the approach used is the severity of the symptoms. Pharmacological approaches form a large part of the treatment because of the relatively large effects size which are often not seen in nonpharmacological treatments. Methylphenidate and amphetamine have a range of adverse side effects. However, the side effects are generally acceptable as they are mainly mild and/or temporary.
Elsevier, The Psychology and Neuroscience of Impulsivity, 2024, Pages 183-196
