Impulzivit

Impulzivit, or impulsivity, is a tendency to act on immediate urges with limited forethought about consequences. It can describe a spectrum of behavior from everyday spontaneity to patterns that impair functioning. In psychology, impulsivity is not a single trait but a cluster of related processes that influence how quickly a person responds, how long they consider options, and whether they persist on a task.

Researchers distinguish facets such as motor impulsivity (acting without thinking), cognitive impulsivity (rapid, premature cognitive processing), and non-planning (lack of future orientation). The UPPS-P model further decomposes impulsivity into urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, sensation seeking, and positive urgency. Measurement scales include the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and UPPS-P questionnaires.

Neurobiologically, impulsivity involves prefrontal cortex regions responsible for executive control and limbic circuits related to reward. Dopamine signaling in frontostriatal pathways modulates the balance between speeded responses and cautious decision-making. Genetics and developmental factors also influence impulsivity, with environmental stress and sleep deprivation capable of increasing impulsive tendencies.

Clinically, high impulsivity is associated with ADHD, substance use disorders, gambling disorder, and borderline personality disorder, among others. It can contribute to accidents, financial problems, and deteriorating relationships, but in some contexts it can aid rapid adaptation or risk-taking in uncertain environments.

Assessment and management typically combine behavioral strategies, psychotherapy (notably cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness), and, when appropriate, pharmacotherapy addressing underlying conditions. Impulzivit remains a dimensional trait that varies across individuals and lifespans rather than a categorical diagnosis.