Acting without thinking? That’s impulsivity. Constantly checking if the door is locked? That’s a compulsion.
Impulsive behavior is when you act on a whim, without considering the consequences. Compulsive behavior, on the other hand, involves repetitive actions or mental rituals done to relieve anxiety or distress. While both can seem similar on the surface, there are key differences between impulsive versus compulsive actions.
It’s important to tell them apart so you can get the right kind of help. Understanding the root causes and triggers of each behavior is vital for finding effective treatments.
In this article, we’ll dive into the differences between impulsive and compulsive behaviors, what causes them, what conditions they’re linked to, and how to treat them.
What are impulsive behaviors?
Impulsive behavior is often described as spontaneous, driven by immediate desires. When you act impulsively, you feel a strong urge to do something, followed by a sense of relief or gratification once you’ve done it.
Impulsivity isn’t always a bad thing. In some situations, it can help you make quick decisions. But most of the time, when we talk about impulsivity, we’re talking about actions that lead to negative outcomes.
Some examples of impulsive behaviors include:
- Sudden emotional outbursts
- Spontaneous spending sprees
- Risky sexual encounters
- Rash decisions
- Impulsive eating or substance use
- Sudden job quitting
- Unplanned travel
- Impulsive social media posting
If you find yourself doing these things often, it may be a sign of an underlying problem that needs treatment.
What are compulsive behaviors?
Compulsive behavior means doing something again and again to make anxiety go away. When someone feels anxious or upset, they may perform rituals or behaviors to reduce that discomfort or to keep bad things from happening.
People who experience compulsions often have obsessive thoughts or feel like something terrible is about to occur. They feel forced to do the compulsive behavior, even if they know it doesn’t make sense.
Unlike impulsive actions, compulsions are specifically driven by the need to reduce anxiety. The ritualistic behaviors associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are a good example of this.
Some examples of compulsive behaviors include:
- Repeatedly checking things (locks, stoves, etc.)
- Excessive cleaning or handwashing
- Counting or arranging objects in a particular way
- Excessive praying
- Hoarding items
Key differences between impulsive and compulsive behaviors
Impulsive and compulsive behaviors may seem similar, but there are key differences in what motivates them, how they affect relationships, and where they originate in the brain.
Motivational differences and the relational impact
Impulsive behaviors are all about immediate gratification. You see something you want, and you grab it. You feel an emotion, and you let it out. Compulsive behaviors, on the other hand, are driven by the need to alleviate anxiety. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or rituals that people feel driven to perform.
Both impulsive and compulsive behaviors can make a real mess of your relationships and daily life. Impulsive actions can lead to hurt feelings and broken trust, while compulsive behaviors can lead to isolation and frustration as rituals take up more and more time.
Differences in awareness and control
People who are impulsive may recognize the negative consequences of their actions after the fact. They may regret what they’ve done, but they still struggle to control those impulses. People who are compulsive may know their behaviors are irrational, but they feel like they have to do them. Resisting the urge to perform the compulsion can cause significant anxiety.
Neurological and cognitive underpinnings
Impulsivity has been linked to problems in the prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain responsible for executive functions like planning and decision-making. Compulsive behaviors often come from things like not being able to tolerate uncertainty, having an inflated sense of responsibility, and other cognitive distortions.
Mental health conditions associated with impulsive and compulsive behaviors
Impulsive and compulsive behaviors can be part of a number of different mental health conditions.
Mental health conditions associated with impulsivity
Impulsive behaviors are often observed in people with:
- ADHD
- bipolar disorder
- borderline personality disorder
- substance use disorders
- intermittent explosive disorder
- kleptomania
- pyromania
With ADHD, impulsivity may show up as trouble waiting your turn or a tendency to interrupt other people. With borderline personality disorder, impulsivity can show up as reckless spending, substance abuse, or risky sexual behavior.
Mental health conditions associated with compulsivity
Compulsive behaviors are often observed in people with:
- OCD
- body dysmorphic disorder
- hoarding disorder
- tic disorders
- trichotillomania
- skin-picking disorder
In people with OCD, compulsions are done in an attempt to relieve the anxiety brought on by obsessive thoughts. In people with hoarding disorder, compulsions often involve acquiring and saving a lot of items, regardless of their value.
Treatment approaches
Whether you’re struggling with impulsive behaviors, compulsive behaviors, or both, a range of treatments and therapies can help you regain control.
Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often a first-line treatment for both impulsivity and compulsivity. CBT is designed to help you change unhelpful thought patterns and develop healthier ways to cope with the underlying issues that trigger these behaviors. A specific type of CBT called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is often used to treat OCD.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can be effective for managing impulsivity, particularly when it’s associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD). DBT emphasizes emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. Mindfulness techniques, a key part of DBT, can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings without judging them.
Medication
Medications can also play a role in managing both impulsive and compulsive behaviors, often used in conjunction with therapy. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are frequently prescribed to treat OCD, while mood stabilizers might be used for bipolar disorder.
Other supportive strategies
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a counseling method that can help you recognize the discrepancies between your behaviors and your goals, motivating you to make positive changes.
Setting SMART goals — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound — can provide a structured way to track your progress and stay motivated.
Support groups can offer a sense of community and understanding, connecting you with others who share similar experiences.
Key Takeaways
Impulsive and compulsive behaviors can both be disruptive, but they have different underlying motivations. Impulsive behaviors are driven by the desire for instant gratification, while compulsive behaviors are often rooted in a need to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared outcome.
If you’re struggling with impulsive or compulsive behaviors that are interfering with your life, it’s important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can assess your situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment options.
Effective treatments often include therapy, medication, or support groups. Early intervention is key, as it can lead to better outcomes and a significantly improved quality of life. Don’t hesitate to reach out and explore the resources available to you.