The symptoms of ADHD can be a challenge for anyone. But when your child struggles with impulse control, it can feel like you never have time to make progress because you’re always on alert for the next call from school or outburst at home. Learning how to recognize the signs of impulsivity in your child with ADHD is the first step toward getting them the help they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person processes information, which then influences their behaviors. Common symptoms of ADHD include:
- An inability to pay attention
- A tendency toward impulsivity
- Hyperactivity and difficulty sitting still
- Trouble staying organized
Teens with ADHD might especially struggle with impulse control because they haven’t learned how to manage their emotions or recognize their thoughts. It can also stem from stress surrounding expectations to fit into a neurotypical learning system or feelings of shame that arise when they feel different from their peers.
ADHD and Impulse Control in Adolescents
One of the most noticeable symptoms of ADHD in young people is difficulty with impulse control. ADHD and impulse control issues can make it challenging for young people to:
- Think before acting
- Resist immediate temptations
- Make wise decisions
ADHD impulsivity can lead to risky behaviors with negative consequences that can interfere with a teen’s academic performance, relationships, and overall well-being.
Learn to Recognize Impulsivity
Many teens struggle with patience, critical thinking, and decision-making from time to time, but at a point, it becomes an issue with impulse control.
Difficulty Following Instructions or Rules
Young people with ADHD can have trouble listening and adhering to rules or instructions, which can create problems at home or school. This is sometimes mistakenly assumed to be defiance when the child is actually struggling with impulsivity.
Emotional Outbursts
ADHD can make it challenging for teens to regulate their emotions. Impulsivity can result in extreme reactions or outbursts when facing challenges with which they’re uncomfortable.
Frequently Interrupting Others
Teens with ADHD might have difficulty waiting their turn to speak and often interrupt others while they are speaking.
Participating in Risky Behaviors
Teens struggling with impulse control issues are more likely to engage in risky behaviors like experimenting with drugs or alcohol, reckless driving, or practicing unsafe sex.
How to Help Your Teen Manage ADHD Impulsivity
It is natural to feel overwhelmed if your teen is impulsive. They might seem out of control, but what they really need is support and guidance from you and healthcare professionals. Here are a few tips for helping your child manage impulsivity:
- Implement routine and structure into their life.
- Encourage them to learn mindfulness and self-regulation techniques.
- Set clear expectations and consequences for their behaviors.
- Teach them problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Provide positive reinforcement and support as needed.
- Work together with healthcare professionals.
You do not have to take on the task of addressing your child’s ADHD by yourself. The best outcomes result from parents taking on an active role in supporting their children and enrolling them in the appropriate treatment. Your family doctor and therapist can be your greatest allies in helping your teen manage ADHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does ADHD Affect Impulse Control?
ADHD affects how different areas of the brain function and communicate. Some of these areas help people recognize when it’s time to stop talking, change the subject, or hold back when perceiving a risk. People with ADHD need a longer time to recognize these times and are more likely to act or speak seemingly without thinking when, really, their brains are still processing the shift.
What Does ADHD Impulsivity Look Like?
It depends. Teens with ADHD might interrupt others, get easily frustrated, or behave recklessly. Young people are already at a stage where they’re ready to experiment with risky behavior—like driving too fast, having risky sexual encounters, or experimenting with drugs or alcohol. ADHD can lower a teen’s perception of risk or consequence even more, making them more likely to experiment.
How Can I Calm My Teen's ADHD Impulsivity?
One of the best things you can do is to help your teen recognize impulsive actions, the triggers that caused them, and what happened afterward. Just teaching them about impulsive behavior probably isn’t enough. They need to know that everything they do will have an impact on their life—and the lives of others. If they spend their allowance or paycheck recklessly, help them see where they’re spending their money and what they might be missing out on by not saving it.
Which Medication Is Best for ADHD Impulsivity?
The right ADHD medication is the one that a provider prescribes and adjusts to your teen’s unique circumstances. For many people, stimulants are the best medications for managing ADHD symptoms, including impulsive behavior.
Treatment for ADHD at Family First Adolescent Services
Learning how to control impulses is just one of the skills we teach in ADHD treatment for teens at Family First. We know your child isn’t just seeking attention or trying to cause trouble. They’re struggling with challenging emotions and processing information that they likely can’t express. Find help by calling 888.904.5947.