How to Help Someone With Impulsive Behavior

Many people who tend to act before thinking suffer from a disorder known as impulsive behavior. Some impulsive behavior can be caused by an injury to the right side of the brain. Impulsive behavior typically manifests in the form of poor judgment and short attention spans that resemble attention deficit disorder (ADD). In severe cases, impulsiveness can cause physical harm to the sufferer due to the inability to think before making a decision. While you cannot cure the person of his reckless behavior, you can redirect his anxiety by engaging the person in conversation, which helps him work through what he is feeling before he acts.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your loved one about stressful situations in a calm, neutral tone. People who suffer from impulsiveness tend to also be hypersensitive, and may misinterpret your tone as judgment if you speak with an angry or frustrated tone. In an attempt to reduce anxiety caused by the impulsive emotions, ask the person how he is feeling, and what is going on in his life. To prevent an escalation of feelings, maintain your calm demeanor when he is angry.

• 2

  Calmly suggest that the person take slow, deep breaths before making a decision. Deep breathing is a calming exercise that is common in meditation. It temporarily helps reduce stress and anxiety. According to Charles H. Elliott and Laura L. Smith, authors of "Overcoming Anxiety For Dummies," people who suffer from anxiety often take short, shallow breaths or stop breathing entirely when anxious.

• 3

  Maintain a quiet environment. Noise and distractions are upsetting to the person who suffers from impulsive behavior. It can cause emotional distress and exacerbate his impulsive feelings. Play soft music to encourage relaxation.

• 4

  Give the person plenty of time to complete a task. Frustration, which leads to impulsive behavior, can easily occur if the person feels rushed to complete a project. Provide praise if you notice the person is becoming frustrated. That may help to reduce the level of anxiety.