What Could be Causing Impulsiveness?

What Causes Impulsiveness?

Impulsiveness can have various causes, just like most other symptoms. Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.

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Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms. In order to diagnose impulsiveness, we could:

Research the topic
Find a doctor with the time
Use a diagnostic computer system.

The process is the same, whichever method is used.

Step 1: List all Possible Causes

We begin by identifying the disease conditions which have "impulsiveness" as a symptom. For example, ADHD.

Step 2: Build a Symptom Checklist

We then identify all possible symptoms and risk factors of each possible cause, and check the ones that apply:

having trouble concentrating

paying poor attention to detail

being anxious/nervous

being easily irritated

heart racing/palpitations

frequent racing thoughts

severe childhood hyperactivity

hyperactivity

very angry/hostile disposition

mood swings

... and so on

Step 3: Rule Out or Confirm each Possible Cause

A differential diagnosis of your symptoms and risk factors finds the likely cause of impulsiveness.

Arriving at a Correct Diagnosis

The Analyst™ is our online diagnosis tool that learns all about you through a straightforward process of multi-level questioning, providing diagnosis at the end.

In the Mind Health section of the questionnaire, The Analyst™ will ask the following question about level of spontaneity:

How spontaneous/impulsive are you? Do you think carefully before doing something, or just go ahead and do it without worrying about the consequences?

Possible responses:

→ Not at all - I am very deliberate and cautious
→ Not very - I am usually deliberate and cautious
→ Average / sometimes I 'just do it' / don't know
→ I am often spontaneous / impulsive
→ I'm very impulsive, can't control myself

Based on your response to this question, which may indicate very low level of spontaneity, low level of spontaneity, being impulsive/spontaneous or being very impulsive, The Analyst™ will consider or rule out possibilities such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). People who are overly impulsive seem unable to curb their immediate reactions or think before they act. As a result they may blurt out inappropriate comments or run into the street without looking. Their impulsivity may make it hard for them to wait for things they want or to take their turn in games. They may grab a toy from another child or hit others when upset.

Concerned or curious about your health? Try The Analyst™