Impulsivity is not a moral failing or lack of discipline. It is a tendency to act quickly in speech, purchases, or decisions, before your brain has fully weighed the consequences. In ADHD, this reflects differences in executive control, including inhibiting actions, tolerating delay, and managing strong emotions, rather than lack of care.

How it can show up

• Blurting out answers, interrupting, or finishing others’ sentences

• Hitting “send” or “buy now” and regretting it minutes later

• Speeding, risky sexual behavior, or breaking rules

• Overeating, excessive drinking, or impulse spending

• Phone spirals: opening an app “for a second” and losing an hour

• Acting fast when emotions run high, such as during anger, excitement, or stress