The development and treatment of impulsivity

Abstract

Impulsivity is a common factor in many mental disorders, including ADHD, drug addiction, aggressive and self-harm behaviors and childhood obesity. Impulsivity is also a risk factor for treatment dropout. This article aims to present the biological, sociological, and developmental roots of impulsivity and, also, common treatments for extreme impulsivity. We include recent work in the areas of neurodevelopment and emotional regulation.