Impulsive behaviors

Impulsive behaviors tend to be more often associated with bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa, purging type. Impulsivity can take many forms. The individual may act or speak without first considering the consequences. Other forms of impulsive behavior that need to be assessed include: self-harming behaviors, alcohol and other substance use, unprotected casual sex with disregard for consequences or shop-lifting (Kleptomania). Additional impulse-control disorders that can co-occur with eating disorders include: skin picking (can also be viewed as a form of self-harming behavior), Trichotillomania (recurrent pulling out of hair resulting in noticeable hair loss, increase in tension prior to engaging in behavior with relief experienced afterwards), Kleptomania (acting on impulses to steal objects; oftentimes individuals with eating disorders steal diet aids, i.e. laxatives, diuretics, emetics, or food to consume during binge eating episodes).

Keywords: define Impulsive behaviors, definition Impulsive behaviors, definition of Impulsive behaviors, meaning Impulsive behaviors, dictionary Impulsive behaviors, what is Impulsive behaviors, Impulsive behaviors eating disorder


If you came to the F.E.A.S.T. Eating Disorders Glossary from a page on the F.E.A.S.T site, click the "go back" button in your internet browser to return to that page; if not, we welcome you to visit the FEAST home page for a wealth of information on evidence-based treatment for eating disorders, support for parents and families, the latest eating disorders research, a forum for parents and caregivers, useful books, etc.