Some Behaviors May Signal Serious Conditions

Ever think back on a rash decision and wonder what the heck you were thinking? Everyone succumbs to an impulsive move now and then, some more than others, but the question is, why? Whether it's the impulsive move to eat that whole piece of cake or the decision to skip work and go get some sun, impulsive behavior all stems from the brain. And maybe if we can understand it, we can control it.

Everyone makes a rash move every once in a while, but some people can’t help themselves — and why is that? Impulsive behaviors can sometimes result from chemical imbalances in the brain, damage to the frontal lobe from something like a traumatic brain injury, various illness', or even drug or alcohol abuse. Impulsive behavior can lead to excessive gambling, compulsive shopping, stealing and food or sex addiction — so it's not exactly harmless. Let's look at how to identify these behaviors and some of the root causes.

Role of Neurotransmitters

Everything we say, do and think is the result of one or many chemical reactions in our brains. Neurotransmitters and peptides are chemicals our brain cells use to communicate with one another and these, in turn, drive our behavior. A recent study conducted by the University of Southern California found that too much or too little of a peptide called melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) could impact impulse control.

Researchers had previously associated MCH imbalances with drug-seeking and compulsive eating. Now, they’re finding it may play a role in numerous other disorders with compulsive aspects including affective disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and compulsive gambling. More research into balancing MCH in the brain could lead to new breakthroughs that target impulse-control in these and other disorders.

The Frontal Lobe

Just as important as having the right balance of neurochemicals is having a healthy frontal lobe. Damage, such as from a brain injury or stroke, can lead to sudden, extreme changes in personality along with diminished impulse control. Excessive alcohol use can cause similar changes, and that damage, and the associated behaviors, may even be a driving force behind chronic alcoholism.

Illnesses and Disorders

Some illnesses that affect the brain can also cause impulsive behavior. Parkinson’s disease causes brain damage and may also reduce MCH levels. Treatment of certain impulse control disorders like compulsive gambling, kleptomania and eating disorders have indicated that serotonin imbalances could also contribute to problem behaviors. Similar underlying factors may exist with other mental health issues like obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders and depression.

Effects of Certain Drugs

Beyond alcohol, there are several drugs that can affect a person’s impulse control. Numerous addictive street drugs can affect the brain in similar ways, but it's notable that some prescription drugs can as well. Medications that increase dopamine in the brains of Parkinson’s disease patients can exacerbate problems in about 13% of cases. This often manifests as binge-eating, high libido, compulsive shopping or excessive gambling. The antipsychotic Abilify may have similar effects.

No one’s perfect, and some of us have better control over our impulses than others, but if these behaviors are causing undue repercussions in life, it may be time to seek help for an untreated or undertreated condition. If you know someone struggling with impulsive or compulsive behaviors, it could be helpful to talk to them about seeing a doctor. There may be help available, and many people are unaware that their behaviors could signal a larger problem.

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