In this compilation, the authors begin by describing the main impulsive behavior assessment instruments in animals and humans. The following databases were searched from 2005 to 2017: MEDLINE, PsycINFO and BVS/Bireme. The search retrieved four questionnaires and eight tasks for humans, as well as six tasks for animals. This discussion, together with the analysis of instruments applied in human and non-human animals, is the greatest contribution to the field, since there is a lack of literature about the subject. In addition, this chapter discusses the importance of validating such instruments for each population. In the following chapter, the authors propose a developmental theory of persistence in problematic alcohol consumption that emanates from impulsigenic personality traits that differentially predispose individuals to drink when highly emotional. These patterns of behavior are reinforced over time and gradually shift from impulsive to compulsive, first to escape negative emotions, then to avoid them completely. For some, more adaptive methods of coping are not adequately developed. These individuals may transition into early adulthood far less equipped to cope with the stress related to this developmental period, and thus continue to drink in ways that are problematic and potentially harmful. The following chapter focuses on adolescence, a period of life wherein individuals pass through several changes, including experiencing new situations and new relationships with peers, parents and superiors. This phase of life is also marked by physical and brain maturation. The last area to develop in the central nervous system is the prefrontal cortex (PFC), the area also linked to the ability to control impulses. This suggests that adolescents tend to have more impulsive behaviors that can result in risky behaviors such as alcohol and drugs. So, the purpose of this chapter is to discuss impulsivity in adolescence, and clarify issues that may help us to understand topics related to this, such as the difference in impulsive behaviors between genders at this stage of life and what influence socioeconomic status may have on such behaviors. Afterwards, findings relating to emotional impulsiveness (EI) from the authors work and that of others are reviewed. Early work is first described that identified a neural (brain-wave) signature of EI in personality disordered offenders detained in high security. It was shown that, by categorizing offenders on the basis of this brain-wave measure as a priori high vs. low risk and following them up following their release into the community, it was possible to predict both general and violent re-offending with a modest degree of accuracy. Continuing, a review is included which summarizes the existing literature on the influence of the dimensions of impulsivity and alcohol use problems among racial/ethnic groups. In particular, the authors focus on how chronic stress may influence the relationship between specific dimensions of impulsivity (e.g., negative and positive urgency) and alcohol use. While much of the existing literature has been conducted in white samples, individuals from minority backgrounds often deal with greater stress and stress specifically related to their identity as minority. The authors go on to investigate the association between impulsive behaviors at age 7 and the development of problem gambling by adulthood. To determine the specificity of any observed association between impulsive behaviors and problem gambling, the chapter also examines the link between respondents shy/depressed behaviors in childhood and later problem gambling. The longitudinal investigation found prospective evidence that impulsive behaviors at age 7 are a specific and significant risk factor for later problem gambling. In the concluding study, a total of 318 psychiatric patients from the outpatient services of two institutions and 184 healthy subjects were recruited. Patients were included if they were > 18 years of age, met DSM-IV criteria for a psychotic, mood- or stress-related disorder and were clinically stable enough according to the treating physician to complete the study assessments. Healthy subjects were screened using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I) and were excluded if any diagnostic criteria was met or if they verbally reported a history of psychiatric disorders. The goal was to determine the impact of demographic variables and substance use in the overt expression of impulsivity in men and women with and without mental disorders.

This volume provides an empirical and conceptual overview of advances in our understanding of impulsivity and impulsive behaviors. Prominent scientists review the range of behavioral phenomena referred to as ‘impulsive’, as well as the defining features and psychological, neurocognitive and behavioral processes that underlie of the manifestation of impulsive behaviors, focussing on progress made and the questions remaining to be answered.

Impulsivity features prominently in contemporary descriptions of many psychiatric disorders, and is also a key element in the clinical risk assessment of violence. Thoroughly examining the nature, assessment, and treatment of impulsive conduct, this up-to-date volume brings together contributions from prominent researchers and clinicians in both mental health and correctional settings. Chapters illuminate our current understanding of impulsive behavior from conceptual, legal, and biological perspectives, and address the challenges of describing and measuring it. With special emphasis on how the likelihood of future violent or destructive behavior can best be gauged in specific cases, the volume includes several newly developed risk assessment tools. Impulsivity also provides an invaluable overview of the current state of the research and delineates a broad, clinically pertinent agenda for future study. Impulsivity is an invaluable resource for clinicians working in private practice, correctional facilities, health care settings, and community-based programs. It also serves as a primary or supplementary text for advanced undergraduate and graduate-level courses.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a diagnosis given to a significant number of people in the Western world. Yet many of the core concepts & symptoms that go with this diagnosis are questionable. This book presents a compelling analysis of BPD, arguing that it needs to be approached in a new light- one that will benefit patients.

Traditionally, impulsive and compulsive behaviors have been categorized as fundamentally distinct. However, patients often exhibit both of these behaviors. This common comorbidity has sparked renewed interest in the factors contributing to the disorders in which these behaviors are prominent. Impulsivity and Compulsivity applies a provocative spectrum model to this psychopathology. The spectrum model is consistent with a dimensional model for psychopathology and considers the dynamic interaction of biopsychosocial forces in the development of impulsive and compulsive disorders. In this important work on impulsive/compulsive psychopathology, leading researchers and clinicians share their expertise on the phenomenological, biological, psychodynamic, and treatment aspects of these disorders. Differential diagnosis, comorbidity of the impulsive-compulsive spectrum of disorders, and assessment by the seven-factor model of temperament and character are discussed. Chapters are also dedicated to the antianxiety function of impulsivity and compulsivity, defense mechanisms in impulsive disorders versus obsessive-compulsive disorders, and the unique aspects of psychotherapy with impulsive and compulsive patients. Clinical researchers and clinicians will be enlightened by this exceptional work. The information provided is supplemented with clinical vignettes, and the final chapter provides a synthetic summary that offers a unified, dynamic approach to impulsive and compulsive behavior.

Do you have a child who acts or talks impulsively?  Children who exhibit impulsive behavior are often labeled unruly. Even though children can be calm, their positive qualities can be often overlooked by their poor impulse control. Children without impulse control act or talk before they think, often unable to control their initial response to a situation. The ability to self-regulate is absent and they don't pause to think about future consequences. Impulsivity is related to acting without thought. As a result, children do things like take unnecessary risks, blurt things out, don't wait their turn, or interrupt conversations. Impulsive Ninja learns how to use an underused superpower to respond to frustration, anger, and criticism. Find out what happens in this SEL book about impulsiveness. Life is tough. But so are you! The new children's book series, Ninja Life Hacks, was developed to help children learn valuable life skills. Fun, pint-size characters in comedic books easy enough for young readers, yet witty enough for adults. The Ninja Life Hacks book series is geared to kids 3-11. Perfect for boys, girls, early readers, primary school students, or toddlers. Excellent resource for counselors, parents, and teachers alike. Collect all the Ninja Life Hacks books and visit the author's profile for fun freebies!

Research in the area of impulse control disorders has expanded exponentially. The Oxford Handbook of Impulse Control Disorders provides researchers and clinicians with a clear understanding of the developmental, biological, and phenomenological features of a range of impulse control disorders, as well as detailed approaches to their treatment.