Can you treat impulsivity in ADHD?

Impulsivity, a hallmark of ADHD, can significantly hinder effective social interactions and the ability to make well-considered decisions. In people with ADHD, impulsivity may manifest as premature responses, such as blurting out answers or reacting swiftly without thinking, particularly in group settings.

This impulsivity can also manifest as difficulty with patience, leading to behaviors like interrupting others or struggling in queues. Additionally, ADHD can prompt actions without considering consequences, resulting in risky activities or sudden outbursts of temper.

Unlike other ADHD symptoms, impulsivity tends to persist into adulthood, even as other symptoms, like hyperactivity, may diminish.

Impulsivity appears to be treatable, as suggested by research. For instance, a clinical trial involving healthy volunteers showed that amphetamines, aka generic Adderall, reduced impulsivity. This was measured using cognitive tests like the Go/No-Go test for impulsivity.

Key findings included decreased reaction times on specific tasks and fewer false alarms on tasks requiring controlled response inhibition.

In a similar vein, Ritalin, a stimulant medication akin to Adderall, has been shown to improve impulsivity and response inhibition in healthy adults. A study found significant improvements in adults administered Ritalin, as evidenced by enhanced performance on cognitive tests assessing impulse control. This underlines Ritalin's potential effectiveness in managing impulsivity.

Addressing impulsivity, particularly in individuals with ADHD, can have significant real-world implications. For instance, impulsivity can contribute to hazardous driving, particularly in teenagers with ADHD. Research has consistently shown that this group is more prone to dangerous driving behaviors, highlighting the potential benefits of treating impulsivity in reducing such risks.

There is also emerging evidence that SSRIs may help in reducing impulsivity. A study focusing on violent offenders observed a reduction in impulsive and aggressive behaviors in those treated with SSRIs. Nonetheless, this was a small observational study, and its findings need further validation in larger, more diverse populations to confirm the effect of SSRIs on impulsivity.