Overactivity and Impulsivity
What is impulsivity?
Different research teams have defined impulsivity in different ways. When defining impulsivity it can be helpful to think about some of the behaviours that are often noted as signs of impulsivity.
For example, finding it difficult to wait, acting without stopping to think first, blurting out answers or responding too soon, or finding it very difficult to ‘put the brakes’ on a behaviour may all be signs of impulsivity.
What is overactivity?
Behavioural signs of overactivity include moving around a lot, fidgeting when sitting down, needing very little rest and appearing to be ‘driven by a motor’. Individuals who are very overactive may be ‘on the go’ all of the time and may be boisterous and noisy when engaged in activities.
What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and does this explain overactivity and impulsivity in genetic syndromes?
Many children with rare genetic syndromes receive a diagnosis of ADHD; however, whether this label truly captures the profile of impulsivity and overactivity in individual syndromes is often debated.
It may be that overactivity and impulsivity in genetic syndromes have a different underlying cause than in ADHD. It is important that research continues to explore these differences as a clearer understanding of the mechanism behind overactivity and impulsivity will lead to more effective support for these issues.
Is there a link between overactivity, impulsivity and behaviours the challenge?
Over the last ten years, research findings have found strong associations between overactivity and impulsivity and behaviours that challenge such as self-injurious behaviour, aggression and destruction of property. Therefore, overactivity and impulsivity have been argued to be ‘risk markers’ for the development of behaviours that challenge.
This does not mean that impulsivity and overactivity are a sole cause of behaviours that challenge but it does suggest that they may contribute to the development and maintenance of these behaviours overtime.
You can find out more about these risk markers by visiting the risk marker page in the challenging behaviour section for each syndrome below:
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Do levels of impulsivity and overactivity vary across genetic syndromes?
There are differences in levels of overactivity and impulsivity across genetic syndromes.
You can read more about this by visiting the corresponding page for each syndrome by clicking on the links below.
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